The first treatment style supports keeping the patient at a level at which he can function without further regression, while at the same time providing new ego experiences in the therapeutic setting calculated to help him integrate his opposing self-representations and corresponding object representations.

The second view holds that patients need to experience further—now controlled—regression, and hence that the therapist should not interfere with his regressing to a level lower than the chaotic one already exhibited. Accordingly, after regressing so low in a therapeutic setting, the patient will progress through healthier developmental avenues toward psychic growth, much as a child does when in a suitable environment.

(19 pp.)