ABSTRACT
Regression is a concept at the heart of the psychoanalytic endeavour, which the psychoanalytic situation facilitates. Michael Balint describes the curious way in which regression appears and disappears in Sigmund Freud's thinking. Freud initially regarded regression as defensive, as a pathogenic factor in the neuroses, psychoses and perversions. Afterwards, he began to recognize regression's importance in the transference, eventually regarding it as the most potent form of resistance. Yet, the issue of regression in the consulting room remains contentious. Sandor Ferenczi was the first to explore the therapeutic importance of regression to primitive object relations during the course of an analysis. Regression to dependence meant that the ego was temporarily impaired and someone had to take over care. Donald Winnicott recognized that regression to dependence within the analytic relationship was a way for the patients to re-live the not-yet-experienced trauma, which in turn enabled them to discover their true self.
