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Shapiro views the developmental perspective as the overriding organizer for the individual seen in analysis. While shifting focus in analysis, the analyst utilizes the developmental perspective as a major backdrop which permits the integration of immediate experience. Shapiro proposes that the presence of this backdrop helps the therapist maintain his equilibrium in the midst of countertransference feelings. Knowing the patient's life and its evolution permits the analyst to endure the disruptive emotions which inevitably arise. It brings about an emotional detachment that paradoxically allows the analyst to engage the patient more empathically.
Shapiro questions Sandler's technical description of the developmental layering of resistances. He proposes that the analytic process is generally more fluent, less "neat or linear." He also suggests that Sandler may minimize the primary influence of early relationships. Transference countertransference re-enactments suggest early historical formulations of the data—which require further validation. Finally, Shapiro agrees with Pine that it is useful to offer patients a way to understand their early life stories.