This study emphasizes the utilization of crucial object relationships in the counterphobic mechanisms and de-emphasizes the role of ego defences. In general most phobias are temporarily relieved by the presence of a companion object. In addition, some phobias may be transformed into the opposite and are here referred to as counterphobic states.

A case of counterphobia is described in which the patient's wife and mistress were the crucial counterphobic objects. Analytic investigation of his childhood revealed the existence and the dynamics of phobic and counterphobic phases in his early development. His counterphobic object relationships represented a regression to the utilization of loved and magically endowed