Hence, cognitively sharing with the patient the concept of a repetition compulsion can be useful in the same way as speaking with them about the phenomena of anxiety or depression can be. Middle Phase of Therapy: Working ThroughTraditionally, the middle phase of psychodynamic psychotherapy is referred to as the "working through" stage. Here is another bit of clinical wisdom: Insight, though absolutely essential, is insufficient. Ultimately, the resolution of the repetition compulsion requires re-experiencing and cognitively integrating what Masterson (1990) calls the unconscious "abandonment depression," grief, and rage, which the repetition compulsion defends against feeling. (This key question and what clinical wisdom has to say about it will be addressed in Part 5 of this series.)