The article presents the case histories of 2 women which illustrate how retreat to the outlived family cocoon can cripple an individual emotionally–in these 2 cases causing suicidal actions & fear of driving, respectively. A vicious circle of jealous rage against an immediate family member, followed by guilt over the jealous hostility, then self-punishment, is described. It is shown how insight, gained by long & patient psychotherapy, can help the patient emerge from the confines of the cocoon.