Correspondence: Claudio Neri, Claudio Neri, M.D., 26, Via Cavalier D'Arpino, Rome 00197, Italy; e-mail: cav.darpino@mclink.it or neric@iol.it

¹M.D., is Full Professor at the Faculty of Psychology, University "La Sapienza" of Rome and Full Member of the International Psychoanalytic Association.

Abstract

This paper will present a series of predominantly clinical observations concerning the lengthy work a patient carries out, with the help of the analyst, in order to achieve greater personal authenticity. When this work is drawing to a close and the patient has gained a degree of authenticity, this authenticity remains within him, almost without his realizing it. The power of authenticity is instead revealed through the patient's most intimate and important relationships. In the long term, the patient's authenticity also alters his perception of himself and of his role in the world. He feels more alive and less overcome by a sense of futility, if earlier this had been the case.