The creation of a shared space through fantasy between a seven year old child and his therapist: A case study

Abstract

This paper applies self psychological and intersubjectivity theories to the in-depth understanding and treatment of a seven-year-old boy with a history of severe trauma. From the beginning, this patient's primary mode of communication was through fantasies with the therapist who participated in their creation. The jointly-created fantasies gradually contributed to the transformation of the patient's bleak inner world. The creation and sharing of the fantasies became an enlivening experience for both members of the therapeutic dyad. © 2005 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.