This paper presents primitive states of mind in an adopted child, which had been engendered by traumatic experiences in infancy and early childhood. Vignettes from her therapy illustrate difficulties in learning, speech and interaction, which were inhibiting her relationships with her adopted family from developing. The development of thought-images, comprehension of the past and representation of memory are explored through discussion of her play, painting and drawing in her relationship with her therapist. (Contains 5 figures.)