Creating space - The fourfold dynamics of potential space

Winnicott conceived of potential space primarily in terms of the vicissitudes of illusion and reality. Loosened from its ties to illusion and reality, potential space is depicted in terms of 4 interrelated, dialectical processes (surrender-generation, recognition-negation, care-quiescence, and disruption-repair), which can be found, in part, in Winnicott's formulations. Reformulating potential space in terms of these fourfold pairs captures the complexity and paradox of the presence and absence of self-states in successful and failed developmental and psychoanalytic interactions. In addition, these 4 interpersonal dynamics more adequately extend the concept of potential space to all phases of human life.