Some clinicians might regard this use of the analyst as a resistance, but if so, I think we overlook the undeniably unique atmosphere we create for relating. The very offer of treatment invites regressive longings in many patients. Placing the patient on the couch further induces a sense of anxious expectation and dependency. Our reliability, our unintrusiveness, our use of empathic thought to meet the requirements of the analysand, are often more maternal than was the actual mother’s care.
