DescriptionThis case study examines the development of a psychoanalyst’s theoretical orientation and subsequent shift in technique due to the challenging dynamics of a difficult patient. As a result of the patient's early trauma in parental relationships, he adopted the defensive position of being an "exception" to his dysfunctional history. At the same time he developed feelings of intense shame. New knowledge was gained through analysis of the initial failed technical approach of transference interpretation, and subsequent redirection to the patient's needs vis-a -vis gaining understanding of the patient's implicit memory exhibited through behavior in the treatment relationship. The main goal of this case study is to demonstrate the value of a phenomenological perspective when used in conjunction with psychoanalytic technique in order to gain a more in-depth understanding of the treatment relationship as well as the needs of the patient.