The clinical utilization of early childhood memories

Early childhood memories (EMs) are discussed as an individual's unique psychological product, capable of revealing basic fantasies around which the individual's character structure is organized. Major theoretical approaches to understanding EMs are surveyed including early Freudian, Adlerian, and Ego Psychological. The more recent Cognitive-Perceptual perspective is also discussed. As EMs are viewed as a projective technique, methods of retrieval and interpretation are described. Case material is presented to demonstrate the utilization of EMs in the course of psychotherapy. In the early phase of therapy, EMs are shown to be of use in establishing therapeutic focus and elucidating dynamic patterns. Within the process of therapy, illustrations are given to demonstrate the use of EMs as an interpretive aid and as a means of monitoring therapeutic change.