ABSTRACT
Andrew was nearly nine years old and had been suffering from encopresis for some three years. When seeing the paediatrician, his mother, Mrs A, reported Andrew’s worries about the possibility that his parents might divorce, since he had watched them having rather acrimonious rows. Mrs A asked to see this therapist on her own for a preliminary discussion, since she was not sure that Andrew should again be exposed to further professional consultations. Mrs A was fully aware that Andrew’s symptom produced strong reactions in all professionals she consulted and she was keen to find it removed, but, however genuine, her concern contained an element of puzzlement about these people’s reactions. Throughout the conversation, Andrew kept on with his colourful drawing, which could not be seen from where authors were sitting. Andrew had drawn a very colourful Spitfire firing at a German plane.
