In the present study the author describes her own mental process occurring during taking charge of patient in order to provide guidance to younger colleagues on formulating the appropriate diagnostic hypotheses for treatment. The encounter between therapist and patient is described in its intersubjective matrix where two people focus on each other. For the therapist this process goes through several levels of analysis, which can be described as attention to analogical aspects of communication, to interpersonal style connected to the attachment patterns experienced and to the family and personal history. This process is illustrated by clinical case presentations stressing underscoring transference feelings.
Keywords: Analogical language, interpersonal style and defences, caregiving and family history, therapist’s feelings.