Psychotherapy for persons with craniofacial deformities: can we treat without theory?

In recent years, increasing numbers of experts have recommended that psychological support be available for cleft children and their parents. Few cleft palate centers however offer comprehensive psychological services. This paper presents some conceptual factors which may contribute to the paucity of psychological treatments available to cleft children and their families. Shortcomings in current concepts of emotional dysfunction in cleft children are discussed, and the effects of conceptual confusion on options for psychotherapy are outlined. Suggested directions in psychotherapy research for cleft children are discussed.