This article explores the clinical phenomenon of hidden psychotic core. A number of pa-tients who seem to function on a neurotic level may have a hidden early primitive part which functions with more primitive defences. It often is a the result of early pre-oedipal trauma (either acute or chronic) and requires different technical approach to reach it in treatment.
Keywords: Psychotic core, early pre-oedipal trauma, enactments, use of countertransference, pre-symbolic