Concretistic fusion, acting, and symbolizing. On the psychoanalytic process in connection with severe infant traumas

Severe infant traumatization triggers specific defense configurations known as concretistic fusions. Split-off affects lead to a fusion between subject and object that has an impact on further development unless remission sets in. In two detailed vignettes the author shows how these fusions manifest themselves in transference and how they can be resolved in the course of the analytic process. The article indicates the theoretical links with projective identification, developmental psychology, and the concept of the dead mother (Green). Issues connected with treatment technique are also discussed.