Night Terrors as a Defense Against Feelings of Homosexual Panic:

Abstract

The psychotherapeutic treatment of a 27 yearold male who, presented with reurring night terrors (pavornoctrnus), is discussed. The relationship of the clients night terrors to his love/hate relationship with his mother and the possibility that he might be gay, but defending against those feelings were central issues in treatment. His night terrors were perceived to be an unconscious defense against his homoseual feelings, which led to feelings of panic, but were denied by him. His abrupt termination of therapy has left many questions, especially the central question about his sexual orientation unanswered.