A follow-up of child analysis. The analyst as a real person

Thirteen cases of child analysis or intensive psychotherapy are described briefly, along with follow-up data. Seven made spontaneous contact with the analyst, some as long as thirty or forty years after the termination of treatment; three more were followed into young adulthood through reports of family, therapists, or friends; and three more made no contact. The process of internalization and preservation of the analyst as a real person is discussed, as well as why it occurs in some cases and not others. Most of the late contacts were made to obtain help in decisions regarding further treatment for self or family members.