This paper presents a suggested nomenclature. I propose to name two analytical functions that are part of the psychoanalyst’s performance: the analyst-environment function and the analyst-object function. Patients often present a precarious level of development and in such cases, the basic function of sustaining the self that needs to be performed by the analyst may be called an environmental function, analogous to the initial mother-environment function. I call this role played by the psychoanalyst analyst-environment. Likewise, a psychoanalyst may alternate his functions and, to meet the need of a patient, perform the role of an object of a certain need or desire. This psychoanalytic function may be called analyst-object. Analyst-environment and analyst-object are interchangeable functions played by the psychoanalyst in his clinic. Clinical case vignettes are presented to illustrate these different types of psychoanalytic functions.
Key words:
Analyst-environment; analyst-object; psychoanalytic functions; Winnicottian clinic