ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author describes a conceptualization of mental life that she has been working with and developing with colleagues for approximately the last ten years. The concept is one of “internal cohabitation” or “coresidency” of two selves or egos in the one body, and was developed by Michael Sinason and others. The concept of internal cohabitation emerged from a clinical workshop for psychoanalytic psychotherapists working with patients diagnosed as having a manic-depressive illness and involves a dual-track analysis of two co-existing selves, each of whom has a mind of their own. The author presents detailed clinical material from work with a patient to illustrate how she uses the concept.
