ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part demonstrates the case studies and enriches psychotherapists’ understanding of the developmental aspects of the particular couple or family’s functioning. It explores the concept of an autistic-contiguous phase of development, and a lack of ‘good enough’ holding that together leave the infant with an inadequately internalised ego. The part examines the sense of fragmentation in a couple’s relationship. The therapist’s patient work of containment using the transcendent function helped bring about a more integrated and co-created couple. The part shows how a couple’s difficulties are related to issues from the family of origin, in particular the lack of containment for feelings of vulnerability aroused by anger. The experience of a containing therapeutic mind functions to metabolise some of the couple’s anxieties, to render these fears understandable and thus able to be viewed with compassion.
