Self-envy and intrapsychic interpretation

Self-envy is described as the consequence of an early split between different part objects which form the structure of the oedipus complex. This takes place between an excluded destructive child part and another part usually modeled on a harmonic parental couple or on a creative and successful adult. The former will attack, paralyze, or destroy the latter, out of envy within the self. There are three main advantages in using an intrapsychic interpretation: (a) avoiding possible transference collusion in paranoid or perverse borderline structures; (b) eliminating possible persecutory anxiety from superego part objects projected into the analyst; and (c) putting the conflict in the right place, inasmuch as transference is a projection of internal conflicts. Clinical material is presented.