NCJ Number
143417
Journal
American Journal of Psychotherapy Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 640-662
Date Published
1992
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This case of a preschooler exhibiting aggressive and self-destructive tendencies illustrates the successful development of a transference and the working-through of conflict in a very young child (age 3 years and 10 months upon presentation).
Abstract
Throughout the treatment, the therapist demonstrated sensitivity to the effect the boy's developmental status had on the emergence of a transference reaction. During the working-through stage, the therapist provided the empathic presence of a new, supportive object; facilitated an environment in which the boy could reenact conflict situations; and encouraged his use of representation and fantasy to conceptualize the problems he encountered day-to- day. During the initial treatment period, the therapist fostered a therapeutic alliance and initiated the working- through of conflict. Beginning in the fifth month of treatment, the therapist began to chart changes in the boy's behavior. Progress during the working-through phase was evident when the boy began to reconcile positive and negative emotions. A dramatic decline in aggressive and self- destructive behaviors was noted by the boy's caregivers. 27 references