Abstract
There was an initial period within the case where a first stage in the analysis of the analysand’s severe obsessions and compulsions indicated that they were serving to protect the analysand from a series of violent and sadistic fantasies that were disturbing to him. However, once brought to light, Renik was experiencing what he termed as frustration, with the treatment becoming “bogged down.” At a critical juncture within the treatment, Renik himself becomes increasingly impatient—particularly with the complaints from the patient seeking recognition. Renik goes on to note that the analysand was apparently affected by this intervention. Renik then comments that the analysand did not respond to the hostility apparent within the interpretation, nor did Renik himself comment on it. A sense of conviction is only attained after the patient has himself worked over the reclaimed material, and so long as he is not fully convinced the material must be considered as unexhausted.