When One and One Make One … Well, Almost

Abstract

In this paper I propose a specific clinical strategy for patients who seek an illusion of “oneness” with the therapist. The proposed clinical technique aims both to utilize and to go beyond what has been called the “romantic” approach to such patients. In agreement with the “romantic” theorists, I suggest welcoming the patient's need and accommodating the illusion of boundary blurring. The technical approach departs from the romantic stratagem in the way this relationship is utilized. I propose that, once the patient establishes the merged relationship, the therapist use the patient–therapist bond to identify incipient psychic states and facilitate the patient's bringing them to fruition to create new ways of being and relating. It is this process of creation from previously latent psychic potential that forms the newly authentic self that obviates the longing for fusion.

Keywords:

• fragile self
• transitional relatedness
• self-creation
• holding
• latent potential
• potential space merger

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frank Summers

Frank Summers, Ph.D., ABPP is a Supervising and Training Analyst, Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis; and Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Medical School.