ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a brief overview of the theoretical understanding of early psychological trauma and its aftermath. It presents case examples of two patients who suffered pre- and postnatal developmental trauma. In both cases, the effects of early traumatic experiences intensified the patients’ compulsion to seek love objects similar to those of inadequate caretakers, and to attach themselves to situations which replicate the insufficient environmental nurturing previously experienced. For patients who have experienced prenatal and/or early infantile trauma, there is often no language for what has been experienced. Analysts working with patients repeating traumatic relationships experienced in early childhood are only too aware of the stubborn reverence the patient exhibits toward his/her toxic environment. The lack of ego strength and inability to tolerate disillusionment prevent the patient from accepting the analyst’s interpretations. M. Balint stressed that the aim of all human striving is to find harmony with the environment.
