ABSTRACT
Eighteen-year-old Kevin said that he had come for assessment only because of pressure from his mum. He was on academic probation, rejected by his circle of friends, filled with rage at everyone, and obsessed with thoughts of being laughed at and denigrated by all. During the long school breaks analysis was maintained by phone and online contact using videoconference technology. Gradually Kevin began to internalize focus on his strengths and accept that he had and could enjoy his growing competence and success. This allowed for a conflict between what the people call the “closed system” of sadomasochistic, omnipotent self-regulation and the “open-system” of reality-based modes of self-regulation, including positive sources of self-esteem. Distance analysis became a smooth extension of in-person analysis during the termination phase. Kevin continued to work through and face the conflicts of ending our work together. Despite his significant improvement in all areas of his life, both recognized that there was still important work to be done.
