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Modern psychoanalytic theory and technique apply to schizophrenic, preoedipal and neurotic disorders. It is unfortunate that the word “schizophrenic,” a loosely used term for many emotional disorders, has taken on such pejorative meaning. For the modern analyst it refers to those patients in whom a narcissistic defense may lead, or has already led, to psychotic episodes.
The narcissistic defense is the major resistance of the schizophrenic patient and those with preoedipal disorders. It is predicated on the concept that frustration aggression experienced in the first few years of life is released against the psychic apparatus of one's own mind and body. This serves as a defense against the danger of acting on impulses that might destroy the self or the frustrating, but necessary-for-survival, object.
The process in treatment is to facilitate arousal of the original traumatic and frustrating situations by appearing to be like the original object, and thus enhancing the establishment of the narcissistic transference. The existence of various defective patterns of functioning is a response to the most powerful and intense negative impulses which have originated in the preoedipal level of development and may lead to schizophrenia and/or other severe narcissistic disturbances. This is the core problem which challenges therapists. Why some patients have this potential and others do not is still largely unknown.
This paper focuses on the understanding of countertransference