ABSTRACT
The child might use the shift in behaviour to express his desire to exert more influence on his environment, which is a sign of developmental progress. As well as causing an improvement in the symptoms, treatment with Psychoanalytic Child Therapy (PaCT) often changes the child's tendency to resolve interpersonal conflicts by turning aggression against himself. In general, any suicidal tendency present in the child will be reduced through PaCT treatment. Suicide attempts in childhood are quite uncommon. Children are also especially spontaneous in showing their affection for the therapist and often express the desire for physical closeness. The therapist might accept an invitation to the child's birthday party, for example, thereby creating too much closeness to the child and/or his parents. The parents should always be informed if the child shows a suicidal tendency. In severe cases of acute suicidal tendency, the child should be temporarily hospitalised for his own protection.
