Integrating movement theory and nonverbal behavioral research with psychoanalytic theory and practice, the author develops the concept of kinetic temperament and illustrates is application in two psychoanalytic case studies. The author discusses the concepts and language necessary for this integration and demonstrates how using a fine-grained, visually based system of analysis of body endowment and behavior can be useful in a relational, intersubjectively tuned, psychoanalytic treatment, and in the continuing dialogue on psychoanalytic theory. The two cases, an infant and an adult who share an overexclusive use of the vertical dimension in action and interaction, illustrate the kinetic temperament and how it affects relationships and development.