This author focuses on an aspect of transference–countertransference interaction that enacted covertly is often overlooked. He argues that conflicts, needs and biases that may go undetected for lengthy periods of time are not infrequently contained within the analyst's accurate and technically correct interventions and that for defensive reasons, patients often suppress, deny or rationalise their accurate perceptions of these countertransference elements and fail to confront their analysts with them. The mistakes, miscommunications and misperceptions that arise as a consequence of the unconscious collusions that develop between patient and analyst can have a profound effect on the analytic work. Several clinical examples are presented to illustrate the operation of such covert communications in analysis and their impact on the treatment process.