In this discussion I reflect on my experience of reading Dr. Eshel's work in general, in addition to her book chapter “Into the Depths of a ‘Black Hole’ and Deadness”. Some reflections on her concept of the “black hole” experience in psychoanalysis are included. I reflect on Eshel's capacity to contain her patient's hopelessness by what she describes as experiences of self-with-other, “withnessing” and “presencing”. I include my associations to the work of other authors, in particular Patrick Casement and Dylan Thomas. Casement's notions of personal countertransference and diagnostic countertransference are illustrated by his description of his patient, Mrs. B, whose analysis is compared with that of Eshel's patient.