Perversions in the Temenos

The author considers analytic perversion as an inversion of the transference dynamic to the detriment of the patient, in which he or she is unconsciously used by the analyst to assuage the analyst’s neglected narcissistic wounds. Perversion, which is inherent to the analytical relationship, is activated when the narcissistic flaws of the patient force the analyst to confront similar, unelaborated flaws within himself. Were the analyst to work on the recognition of complexes represented in the myth of Narcissus and Echo, he might be able to resist unconscious identification with his patients’ complexes or defense mechanisms and remain attentive to his own weaknesses and needs.