Since schizophrenic patients are suffering from severe ego defects, how can interpretation and increased self-understanding be useful? The author attempts to answer this complex question by stressing the usefulness of 'linking interpretations' which establish connections between external events and transference phenomena. The goal is to help the patient more effectively separate external from internal reality. Schizophrenic patients tend to massive projections, and the analyst must help the patient to realize the intrapsychic origin and the adaptive value of his thoughts and feelings. When the analyst deviates from the analytic stance and offers support, the schizophrenic patient tends to become confused and to feel either that he is being offered omnipotent rescuing or is being assaulted and intruded upon.