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Presenter: The analysis of this patient seems to have been through three phases. In the first she was chiefly preoccupied with the material conditions around her, such as the couch. She was very rigid about the schedule for sessions and became aggressive if any changes were made. On one occasion I was surprised to find myself twisted in my chair, trying very hard to follow her words because she was speaking so softly. It was only after I noticed this that I realized that she was exercising control to such a degree that I was unable to think analytically.
In the second phase she spoke almost as if she was talking to herself. Later she exhibited the same anxieties about material objects as in the first phase, but in relation to me, saying how nice I was, or how punctual. But I noticed that she was now using her talking as an evacuation so as to avoid contact with me, pushing me away.
In the third phase she began to consider me as a person. This phase was tinged with deep doubt and anxiety; she said she was now able to glimpse another world although she couldn't reach it. She was able at this stage to refer to the importance of analysis in her life.
I am going to describe yesterday's session –
Bion: Before we hear about this session, there is a question I would like to ask. I get the impression that the patient knew you would have to twist round in your chair to hear what she said. Did you feel that she knew you could not hear what she said and that you would have to move your bodily position?
P: I don't think she was consciously aware that she was forcing me to twist in the chair; I only felt it and observed it in myself.
B: If you were only a piece of furniture, a piece of wood, then there would be no question of making you feel anything. But if she
is aware that you are a human being, then she is also aware that you have to listen in order to hear what she is saying. So if she speaks very softly, you will have to do something about hearing what she says. This would cer