Sarah and the camps: Case history, metapsychology and countertransference

Abstract

Violence inflicted on men and women has repercussions on succeeding generations. Indeed, suffering that is not narrated and shared can become masochism and destruction. Based on a clinical case, I will propose an illustration of this fact and discuss it. I will also propose a discussion of countertransference linked to this case history. Finally, I will approach some topics on metapsychology and the way I use this concept to understand my experience.

Keywords:

• violence
• transmission
• metapsychology
• countertransference

Notes

¹In fact, two of my clinical cases where masochistic fantasies and acting-out were at stake showed that sexual workers have to protect their clients against their fantasies by attenuating them. Literature corroborates these clinical data (see Langley, 1997).

²Marie de la Trinité was the name taken by Marguerite Marie Alacoque once she entered a convent. In this way she signs her book.