ABSTRACT
I once wrote an article about a patient who asked me to read a book she liked, and about the fact that doing this allowed us to get through a difficult period in the analysis.1 Commenting on this manner of dealing with a situation, contrary to orthodox practice – which requires that the relation to the patient be limited to what is said during the sessions – I pointed out that it was the direct result of my practice with children – who often bring to the sessions not only their drawings and clay sculptures, but also personal possessions that are important to them. When I thought about this again after reading your letter, I realised that I wouldn’t know how to treat the situation differently. Reflecting on the meaning of this inability to imagine another form of clinical treatment could begin to answer your questions.
