Somatic Narration, Psychosis, and Gaze Aversion

The utility of Sebastian Leikert's technical approach of somatic narration is illustrated in a detailed clinical presentation working with a psychotic patient with gaze aversion. In conjunction with Riccardo Lombardi's emphasis on focusing on the patient's transference to her own body rather than the conventional transference to the analyst, the author shows the value of moving away from gaze aversion and focusing, instead, on the patient's experience of her neck as an encapsulated body engram. The role of bodily movement in the consulting room as a critical ingredient in supporting the narrative process will be illustrated.