ABSTRACT
Shared unconscious phantasy and shared defence are concepts created in the early pioneering work of Tavistock Relationships and have been central in clinical practice for many years. Unconscious phantasy, shared unconscious phantasy, shared defence and unconscious beliefs are all ways of understanding the unconscious life of the couple. The concept of fantasy while conscious is also of interest as couples often have conscious fantasies about their relationship which they are invested in but that are not known about or shared by both partners. Whereas shared unconscious phantasies may be revealed in the way each partner relates to the other and to the therapist, and in the shared defences they create, unconscious beliefs are harder to access. It is important for psychic health to bring phantasies into contact with reality so that there can be reality testing. Unconscious phantasy is constantly influencing and altering our perception or interpretation of reality.
