The Narcissistic Transference

A man sought analysis because he felt ill-at-ease and had the impression that his relational and affective life was unsatisfying. Above all, it seemed to him to be very out of step with his success in the professional domain. From the outset, the account that he gave of his difficulties introduced a sort of boredom into the listening. His fragility was, however, evident. The edifice of his psychic organisation was precarious; he constantly doubted his capacities, called into question what he was doing, his choices, and so on, and when he had success it was, he said, “a coincidence”. In spite of everything, in appearance at least, the analysis began and the patient started associating, dreaming and remembering.

And yet a sense of malaise was still present. After reflecting on the fact that he did not feel very touched or moved by his patient, the analyst felt trapped. He was unable to identify which object his analysand was addressing. He did not feel free to say anything. Every interpretation, moreover, was rejected. The patient could not tolerate him introducing any new element into what he said. Conversely, he reacted sharply if the silence lasted. He got angry. Clearly, the analyst did not understand him: “If it's to have the impression of speaking in a void,” the patient said, “there's no point in continuing.” The analyst sometimes felt that he would have to achieve perfection to meet the needs that were thus manifested. For how could he find a way of making a presence felt that was not hurtful owing to its very otherness? His interventions remained brief. They were limited in most cases to taking up certain words, to discreet support.

For quite a long time, it was important to play this role of narcissistic double that this patient, who was so wounded, required. This stage in the process was necessary in order to respect the narcissistic equilibrium of this man, until he was able to invest in others ways of living, As a result, the recognition that he received sl