When the body speaks: A case discussion of bodily manifestations of introjection and identification with the aggressor

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of the patient’s somatic experiences and fantasies during the psychoanalytic psychotherapy of childhood relational trauma. Somatizations and enactments pertaining to childhood traumas are discussed as they expressed aspects of early stigmatizations, social bullying, and parental boundary violations. A central persecutory theme of impending death during the Covid pandemic is discussed as it revealed previously unspeakable persecutory fears. Obsessional somatic preoccupations and fantasies expressed the patient’s sense of inescapable condemnation and annihilation, which in turn portrayed the patient’s fear of parental homicidal wishes toward the patient. Key aspects of this treatment also concerned an analysis of self-endangerment and suicidality as a defensive process of identification with the aggressor. Somatic aspects of transference and countertransference phenomena are explored as an integral part of the analysis. A discussion of the case material with two psychoanalyst colleagues is included.