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Termination in child analysis. A child-led process?
1Anna Freud Centre, London.
The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Termination in child analysis is a child-led process, diverging from theoretical models. Case studies reveal unique termination phases across developmental stages, emphasizing the child
Area of Science:
- Child psychoanalysis
- Developmental psychology
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Theoretical models of child psychoanalysis often overlook the practicalities of termination.
- A gap exists between conceptualizations and the actual process of ending child psychoanalytic treatment.
Observation:
- Presents case material from four distinct child analyses.
- Examines the termination phase in relation to different developmental phases.
- Highlights the idiosyncratic nature of termination processes in children.
Findings:
- Termination in child analysis is fundamentally a child-led process.
- While analysts may have criteria, the child's trajectory guides termination.
- Observed variations in termination reflect individual developmental pathways.
Implications:
- Revises understanding of termination in child psychoanalysis.
- Suggests adapting therapeutic approaches to accommodate child-led termination.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the end stages of child analysis.