Extra-analytic contacts: theoretical and clinical considerations

The literature on the extra-analytic contact is reviewed and a case is presented in which the extra-analytic contacts of patient and analyst were analyzed. Three types of extra-analytic contacts are discussed: (1) those actively brought about by the patient; (2) those that are "accidental" for both parties; and (3) those that are anticipated by the analyst but not by the patient. The extra-analytic encounter can heighten latent transference and countertransference themes, clarify certain resistances, and serve as an index of therapeutic progress. It can also interfere with an analysis by raising false hopes for the patient and can dilute the analyst's position as a fantasied object.