The sibling and psychotherapy: a review with clinical examples

Psychoanalytic and other literature relevant to the sibling relationship is reviewed. Cases are presented illustrating the role of feelings towards the sibling in psychotherapeutic practice. Three main areas are discussed: (1) the birth of a sibling as a 'fixation point'; (2) the effect of the sibling on identity formation; (3) the role of the sibling relationship in treatment, especially the importance of acknowledging sibling rivalry.