The author finds that Winnicott’s theoretical contributions to the study of object relations are preeminently useful in understanding the concept of sublimation. He examines the classical and contemporary models of sublimation. Freud saw symbol and sublimation in terms of instinct and defense, i.e., desexualization and change of aim. Winnicott’s concept of the facilitating maternal holding environment helps in understanding sublimation. Using vignettes to illustrate his thesis, Gargiulo states, “It is … this experience of the potential space between the mother and the child, the play area between the me and the not-me, that can give rise to the capacity to interact creatively with one’s personal and cultural milieu.” He adds, “It is the emotional and psychical conditions of this play area that make sublimation possible.” For some patients, therefore, the analyst must conceptualize the patient’s communications as reflective of developmental experiences, not as transference enactments.