Patient as assistant therapist in paraverbal therapy with children

The concept of using a patient as "assistant therapist" in the treatment of acting-out children was presented. A description of the pilot case with another type of unresponsive child showed how paraverbal techniques were used in the development of this alternative treatment approach. The adaptation of the concept of using a patient as "assistant therapist" was given in excerpts from sessions in cases of acting-out children. With the multifaceted, pleasurable, and flexible approach basic to paraverbal therapy, the sessions showed the techniques that led to a change in the childrens' acting-out behavior. Their experience as "assistant therapist" in using and sharing novel yet appropriate channels for communication led in each case to satisfactory communication, not only in paraverbal sessions but in the classroom, on the ward, and at home as well.