In severe catatonic excitement there is great danger to life which calls for swift intervention. One must therefore take certain liberties which psychoanalytic technique ordinarily forbids. The psychotic productions tell of figures which the patient mortally fears. Rosen tried to personify the terrifying images and convert them into protective ones by deliberately assuming the identity, or identities of the threatening figures and assuring the patient that, far from threatening him, they would love and protect him. This means the rapid establishment of a strong positive transference which becomes the bridge to reality. Three cases treated in this way are described.