Narcissistic resistances in the analytic experience

The narcissistic resistances in the clinical experience and the supposed autonomy of the patient to reproduce the narcissistic stage are studied in this paper. The problem is examined through the analysis of a patient, who masturbated compulsively. The relationship between the symptom and the transference is investigated because the symptom related to specific behaviour from the object, and in order to understand the meaning of the phantasy that underlines the auto-erotic activity. It is pointed out that, in order for defensive activity to fulfil its sense of narcissistic refuge, an other (distinct from the subject) must carry out an essential function of support of the narcissistic defence. Narcissistic self-sufficiency is governed by a paradox, as it needs an object to demonstrate that it can subsequently dispense with this object. A second paradox occurs when the narcissistic subject can only succeed in dispensing with the object if the object gives some sign indicating that he is affected by such 'doing without'. In the analytical relationship, this type of defence manifests itself as narcissistic resistance. The analyst participates in the covering-up of the dependency that the defensive system has on the external object and this is a prerequisite for establishing the resistance.