Catharsis

Catharsis is when a Wraith's Shadow takes complete control of the character. It lasts for 10 minutes before a wraith can regain control. A wraith can allow a shadow to take partial control without slipping into Catharsis and relinquishing complete control, but doing so is dangerous. One never knows how much control a shadow needs before it can push the psyche into Catharsis on its own. Shadows make the worst backseat drivers.

It may sound like no one would ever willingly let their shadow take control. This is not always true. Even though a shadows ultimate goal is the destruction of the psyche, they do possess a sense of self preservation and will often offer their power or willingness to act if doing so will give the pair a better chance of escaping capture or destruction. Shadows often possess additional powers known as Thorns that might give a wraith an advantage in certain situations, and are only accessible while cathartic. A shadow can also step in and take care of...dirtier business that the psyche cannot face. Last but not least, shadows are custom-made manipulators of the psyche, and without vigilance they will slip through.