ABSTRACT
Yao Lu's problematic history with men starts to become a focus of the work. Yao Lu introduces Javier to some of the men that appear in her life, and Javier has to exercise careful clinical judgment to allow for the growth of security and trust in the therapeutic relationship, despite the risks. Yao Lu had a recurrent history of sexual abuse throughout her 16-year-old life. The risks that Javier starts to face become clearer. Limits and boundaries make deep narcissistic injuries surface, and Javier has to tend to the pains to continue nurturing the relationship. The process of ruptures and repairs becomes central to the work. The triangulations Javier was navigating are explicated. Yao Lu´s affective confusion stemming from her sexual abuse in childhood is linked to her present dilemmas. Connections are made to the Double Bind Theory, and masochistic tendencies are described as perversions of a wish to surrender and be seen. Strong links to the theory of mentalization and affect regulation thread the chapter.
