Aggression and impulse control in the analysis of a young boy

The analysis of a young boy with aggressive, impulsive problems is reported with an emphasis on technique. The step-by-step analytic work is reported to highlight the gradual emergence of the underlying function, determinants, and developmental context for such difficulties, which helped guide the analytic work. An important focus is on the analyst as a developmental as well as transference object, the use of nonverbal communication until interpretation could be tolerated, and the ways to facilitate the development of reflective function. Needing to address both conflict and developmental interference, the analyst was always guided by the level of mental organization when making interventions. The important work with the parents is also carefully described.