The possibility that psychic development precedes the advent of the drives and object relations has received attention periodically in the psychoanalytic literature. In addition to examining its origins, several writers (e.g., Balint, Bleger) have also considered its implication for treatment. The aim of this paper is to examine in greater detail the theoretical and clinical utility of distinguishing a core psyche from that of an ego psyche. Case material will also be presented to further compare and contrast these two clinical constructs.