ABSTRACT
This chapter explicits the process of psychic development and illustrates how two particular areas— the negotiation of the oedipal situation and adolescence— are crucial precursors to the development of a capacity to form part of a creative couple. It addresses the anxiety involved in psychic change. The chapter describes key aspects of a creative couple state of mind and way of relating to another. It suggests that once an individual is part of an intimate adult couple relationship, if this development has taken place, then the creative couple as a psychic object can be turned to as a "third position" (Britton, 1989, p. 87), to help the individuals sustain their relationship when it is vulnerable. The chapter shows how creative this relationship can be both internally and as part of a relationship with another; and how, through this relationship itself, further psychic development is possible.
