This paper presents an extensive description of the first year of analysis of a 'silent' hysterical female patient whose illness was characterized by strong pregenital regression. The silence was based upon a particularly regressive type of object relationships. It represented a defense against a double process of rejection and incorporation of the 'bad' mother but at the same time the patient avoided any changes which analysis might have brought about in her object relationships.

The technical aspects of this difficult analysis are discussed in detail. The author feels that the structure of the case contraindicated an early analysis of the character defenses, as well as a Kleinian analysis of the partial-total object relationship which the material invited. He found it advantageous to adopt a system of prudent and carefully dosed interpretations geared to the patient's ability to tolerate anxiety and to the need to mobilize it.