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Gila Ashtor’s conception of the Pseudo-Self is explored in relation to her critique of three existing clinical approaches to dissociation. Important features of the pseudo-self are highlighted, including its distinctive blending in with current cultural formations, and its corresponding non-visibility in clinical theory, andd the reflexive type of detachment that place these patients beyond the usual reach of our usual clinical methods. The question of the clinical approach to dissociation, and to the phenomenon of the pseudo self in particular, is considered in light of Ashtor’s suggestion that unconscious defensive structures must be analyzed in order to treat dissociative disorders of feeling. Emphasis is placed on an active type of clinical engagement aimed at making contact with the pseudo-normal patient at the psycho-sensory level of shared experience. Let me say at the outset that it is impossible for me to do justice to the scope of Gila Ashtor’s incisive, comprehensive thought-provoking and paper. I must necessarily choose only a few points to focus on, leaving much untouched. Having spent such a rewarding time with the text, and feeling as I do an affinity with much of what is contained in it, I hope it will not be presumptuous if I refer to her as Gila in this discussion – to be on first name terms, as it were, although we have not met.