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In the case of severe pathologies, the function of the container in the psychotherapeutic setting becomes particularly important, but this function is made extremely difficult by the turbulence of the situation. In these cases, the container must provide three goals: a function of real limits, a means for the distribution and articulation of the projective identifications of the patient, a holding-elaboration of very intense emotional charges. In these particular cases, the function of the container becomes so complex as to necessitate an entire institution rather than a single therapist. The single therapist is not able to carry out his empathetic-interpretative function unless he is integrated into a larger group-institution.
In order to describe and interpret the modalities of the functioning of the container-institution, it is useful to adopt the model of the field which can be considered a refinement and evolution of the model of the container. An outline of the principal factors that constitute the institutional field is detailed as follows:
The field is derived from the array of shared projective identifications in a cammon pool and not only from an individual into another.
The field is a shared sensory area as defined by Bleger.
The field contains an array of suffuse, powerful emotions which charge the atmosphere of the institution.
The field is derived from certain originating-foundation fantasies.
The field is a derivation of the historical memory of each specific institutional group.