ABSTRACT
I observe the development of the healthy infant as my therapy model. I watch as she makes full use of all her senses-first for survival (sucking, being touched), then to learn more about her world (seeing, hearing, tasting, touching). I see her exercise and use her body zestfully to acquire control and mastery. I notice that she expresses her feelings congruently. Her intel lect develops rapidly, and she discovers language as an important tool for expression of feelings, needs, wants, thoughts, ideas. The healthy, uninter rupted development and expression of a child’s organism-senses, body, emotions, and intellect-is the underlying basis for the child’s sense of self; a strong sense of self leads to good contact with her physical and social environment.