| Abstract: | Reviews the book, Techniques of child therapy: Psychodynamic strategies by Morton Chetkik (see record 2000-00388-000). Techniques of Child Therapy is not a manual of psychoanalytic theory applied to children but, as the subtitle indicates, it is a presentation to psychodynamic strategies for treating the impairment derived from the faulty development of any of four psychoanalytic constructs: phallic-oedipal, ego functioning, superego expansion, an affective difficulties. Four major sections compose the book: an introduction outlining the characteristics of the child and the general process of assessment, a section dedicated to guiding the parents, and the presentation of two case studies with an elaboration of the treatment process. Of the four sections, the ones devoted to treatment procedures may be the most illuminating to the readers new to psychodynamic theory. A laudable aspect of the book is its abundant and generous use of case studies. Each case is presented with an assessment, clinical material, and treatment techniques. The cases illustrate the assessed area and principles behind the treatment. But a significant challenge to the new therapist is explaining to a 6-year-old child the connection between, say aggressive behavior and oedipal wishes or fears. Parents who underwent psychoanalysis should be able to help. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
