ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author suggests that one of the essential elements in psychoanalysis, promoting growth of the mind, is the analyst's capacity to contain the pains of the aesthetic conflict and tolerate the patient's love. Furthermore, the author also suggests that transference-love may be stimulated by the aesthetic conflict relived in the transference. The chapter presents clinical material from two analyses, representing different facets of the difficulty bearing the patient's love. In the first case, the author describes an analysis characterized, from its onset, by an intense emotional attachment, at times overwhelming in its fortitude, and by open revelations of love, neediness, excitement, and arousal of the patient in relation to the author. In a second, shorter vignette, the author tried to reflect on an analysis in which he found it very hard to be receptive to the patient's adhesive and intrusive love, and often remained indifferent and distant.
