Characteristics Attitudes of the Symbiotic
Stephen Johnson added this character type to those of Lowen. Developmentally, the symbiotic is largely an oral character with the major failing of nurture coming during the rapprochement subphase. It seems clear that Johnson was, among other things, attempting to make a place in character analysis and the Lowenian horizontal model for the 'borderline' traited psychotherapy client. Lowen had not used the idea of 'borderline' in any depth. He attributed this presentation more to schizoid or oral client's with lesser ego strength and felt issues could be addressed with these clients accordingly. From a character analytic point of view, it does seem as though "borderline" behavior is a relational or transactional experience that, while it can be implemented regularly and nearly unilaterally, it is not a character trait. However, many self-referred psychotherapy clients present with issues of maintaining a clear sense of self in a relationship.
Psychological Characteristics A sense of identity is found only by merging with others. This leads to confusion about boundaries and confusion about who is responsible for what. There is a danger or tendency to take on the affects, thoughts and beliefs of others, but this is never a stable situation. The blurring in the boundaries between self and others tends to lead to two solutions: 1) externalizing all responsibility onto others. This solution may have to do with 'less ego strength'. It leads to frequent conflict and perhaps the label 'lower functioning' symbiotic. 2) internalizing all responsibility onto the self. This may have to do with relatively more ego strength. This leads to less obvious conflict, and perhaps the label 'higher functioning.' Symbiotics that internalize responsibility often become caretakers, with trouble distinguishing his or her own needs from the needs of those 'cared for.' Loyalty is a very strong value. There is a very strong tendency to split others--when they show differences or disagreements, they are experienced as bad (or at least wayward), and when they show agreement or similarities, they are experienced as good. There is a tendency to enter the helping professions
Primary “falling” fear: falling behind
Primary holding pattern: holding on
Primary longing: for individuation
Primary Struggle: the right to separate.
Illusion of Contraction "I am safe as long as I hold on to you"
Illusion of Release "I will be abandoned and helpless"
Structural Characteristics More full than the oral character, but flesh pillowy more than swollen. A ''chameleon' aspect has been noted in which this character may simultaneously 'appear' differently to different observers.
Energy Characteristics The general energy characteristics of the symbiotic are similar to a communicator, perhaps somewhat warmer. At times, when the person is in 'the sweet spot' where merger seems to be working, energy can appear to be excellent, but this is more like hypomania. Because the person is often maneuvering between the twin dangers of abandonment and engulfment, they may appear very active, but without a real feeling of potency.
Relationship Characteristics All pre-genital characters have symbiosis as a unconcious model of relationship This character seems to fall prey at times to the belief that they have achieved it, and are devastated when the illusion is threatened. This character however tends to want to live in fusion. A strong, unconscious, seductiveness has often been noted. Relationships may be very drama filled as the symbiotic often has no comfortable place between feelings of being engulfed and feelings of being abandoned. Commonly, differences of opinion or preference are seen as betrayal because they threaten the illusion of symbiosis. There can be a strong attachment to pets because all animal behavior can be given a symbiosis-syntonic explanation. that is, pets never disappoint.