Psychoanalysis and Gestalt theory have theoretical and conceptual links regarding their dynamic conceptualization of psychic processes.
Defence mechanisms play a major role in theory and therapy of both schools.
The defence mechanism projection in its classical psychoanalytic sense is compared with the Gestalt-theoretical view of this concept. Exemplified by a simple case study, possible effects of a projection on the phenomenal world and the transphenomenal world are described. The field-theoretical analysis of the conflict underlying a projection identifies the needs, the barriers and the substitutive goals of an individual in a concrete situation. The possibility of past events influencing the present behaviour of a person is by no means denied, but there has to be a clear distinction between the systematic approach and the historical analysis. She believes that this early form of projection has its origin during the first four month after birth.