The paper explores the maternal capacity of therapists in working with patients for whom developmental deficits render the traditional verbal tools of psychoanalytic treatment ineffective, particularly in the early phases of treatment. Viewed from the perspective of a mother in relation to an infant, the therapist's role is seen as providing a safe holding environment, often in non-verbal ways, for the patient. The capacity of male therapists to access their maternal capabilities is considered. The manifestation of preverbal transference and counter-transference is explored through the presentation of relevant clinical material.