Follow-Up

This short analysis was followed up by a nonanalytic contact that occurred about four years following the treatment interruption in the wake of my returning from a vacation. We met by chance in a public setting. I was struck by Mr. B's appearance. He looked calm, genuinely assertive, his wearing of a suit reminded me of the clothes he wore at our last meeting. Mr. B took the initiative and time to stop me to say hello. He thanked me for the work he had done in his treatment stating that, to his surprise, he thought that the analysis, though short, was continuing to help him. He commented that he often found himself reflecting on what he had learned during his sessions. He added that one day, he would call back and he volunteered the information that he had consolidated his career choice. Not only had he completed his studies in the field he was involved in during his treatment, but he had obtained both professional and social recognition in his field, reflecting his knowledge and his abilities to be a leader. It was clear that his choice reflected a sustained motivation in his current work and an ability to represent his own thinking. One remembers that his work instability stemming from his wish to please an older man had contributed to his starting treatment. He looked genuine and grateful.

Reflecting with hindsight on the course of the analysis, I wondered if Mr. B had experienced the analysis and the analyst as a channel for a fantasy around the theme of birth and adoption. The analysis lasted nine months, a suggestive detail in view of Mr. B's life. Its interruption occurred after a break in the context of escalating anger surrounding interruptions, no matter their length. Mr. B's mental state, his demeanor and affect were very telling during the last week of treatment. I think that he had abilities to work analytically despite the interruption. His mode of ending was suggestive of a