ABSTRACT
One of the significant contributions the Severn analysis with Ferenczi made was the awareness that analyzing subjective experience of both the analysand and analyst was essential to understanding the therapeutic relationship. Understanding the subjective experience of the therapeutic dyad became important for opening up the contribution of the analyst's functioning. Severn shared herself as fully as possible with Ferenczi. She readily responded to Ferenczi's therapeutic interventions, whether they were interpretative or non-interpretative. A good example of Severn's receptivity to Ferenczi and her willingness to fully disclose her own subjectivity was the uncovering of her childhood trauma. Severn intellectually understood that the emotional disturbances that hung over her like a black cloud were the result of her life experience. But, she had no idea what those experiences were. In consort with Ferenczi, she was guided toward emotionally exploring her childhood. As the analysis between Severn and Ferenczi unfolded, Severn did express directly her frustrations and criticisms towards Ferenczi.
