Interpersonal and conflictual aspects that arise in transference and in the formulation of the interpretation

Abstract

In this contribution, the author discusses some aspects of countertransference and interpretation through the unfolding of a case in four weekly analytic sessions. The focus is on the states of intersubjective listening: ways of engaging with the material offered by the patient, without neglecting more conflicted areas of the mind. Delving into the complexity of interpretation, the author explores the possibility of providing an intrapsychic interpretation that can be experienced not intrusively, but as an opening to that small fragile part that seeks to be understood and defended from violent sadistic attacks within the inner world.

Keywords:

• countertransference
• responsiveness
• intrapsychic interpretation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Silvia Cimino

Silvia Cimino is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Department of Dynamic, Clinical, and Health Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome; holder of a National Scientific Qualification for Full Professorship (disciplinary sector 11/E4, Clinical and Dynamic Psychology), Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychotherapist (AIPPI); Ordinary Member of the Italian Association of Psychoanalysis (AIPsi-IPA, International Psychoanalytic Association); member of the Royal Society of Medicine; Principal Investigator of numerous peer-reviewed research projects; and editor and reviewer for several international scientific journals. Cimino is the author of over 150 national and international publications (including articles, books, book chapters) primarily focused on child and adolescent psychopathology (with a particular emphasis on eating disorders, depression, and the impact of traumatic experiences).