title: The theory of transitional phenomena and its application to the psychotherapy of the borderline patient.
abstract: Winnicott's theory of transitional phenomena is outlined and the various meanings of the term transitional phenomena are indicated. The psychotherapeutic applications of his theory to the treatment of borderline patients, particularly the implications for the functions, language and timing of verbal interventions are then explored. Finally, his ideas are briefly compared with those of other therapists currently influential in the theory and therapy of borderline patients.
mesh_terms: D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004328:Drive; D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009769:Object Attachment; D010553:Personality Development; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology