Theories have developed starting from Freud’s 1911 paper “Formulations on the Two Principles of Mental Functioning”, suggesting that the body should be the starting point for the analyst’s work. Some neuroscientific studies also confirm the importance of the body and its well-being as a foundation for the development of mental functioning. The Author proposes a model in which the bodies of the patient and the analyst constitute the focus of primary observation in analysis. The notions of revêrie and movement gain particular significance in this context. A clinical case is presented.

KEYWORDS: Body, dissociation, emotions, enactment, homeostasis, movement, perception, polyvagal theory, somatic countertransference..