This paper questions whether what is a strength of psychoanalysis - its focus on painful and difficult experiences and its ability to remain in touch with the negative aspects of the personality - might also be an Achilles heel. The paper discusses research from neuroscience, developmental and social psychology to argue that more attention needs to be given to how we work with more positive and hopeful aspects of the personality, and that otherwise psychoanalytic psychotherapists are not working with the whole person. Some clinical examples are used to illustrate how these ideas might be used.