This paper aims at presenting a psychoanalytic approach which encourages the use of metaphorical or poetic language in analysis, in order to foster different forms of emotional reaction and mutual regulation of emotions between patient and analyst. The author specifically adopts a method based on relational psychoanalysis, which has the merit of not limiting its scope to how innate drives are dealt with intrapsychically. This method, on the other hand, takes into account the notion of implicit relational knowing: a nonconscious relational knowing learned without the participation of reflexive consciousness, stored in the implicit memory system. By metaphorically externalising perceptions – both physical and psychological – connected to implicit or explicit memories which prove to be problematic for the patient, the analyst can engender a mirroring process which could, in turn, promote a more productive bond and a better understanding of relational patterns on behalf of the patient. The analyst then is encouraged to develop an emotional connection with his or her patient through affinity; complete identification, however, would naturally be deleterious, while a metaphorical filtering of the patient's experience offers the right balance between empathy and detachment.