Elective brief psychotherapy with children

There does not as yet exist a clearly unifying concept of brief psychotherapy with children. Various forms of shortened treatment have been reported as successful. The technique described in this paper is a form of individual therapy based on psychoanalytic principles, especially those of ego psychology. It is primarily recommended for children who have suffered a real of symbolic object loss. Distinctive features include the early definition of a focus, a predetermined time limit, and careful attention to termination issues. The goals are relatively ambitious. When successful the therapy results in persistent psychodynamic changes. Case examples are used to illustrate how these positive results may occur through the medium of identification with the therapist, which permits a resolution or lessening of ambivalent dependence. This in turn allows the treatment experience to act as a model for future relationships with limited givers.