ABSTRACT
Freud's influence on the understanding of infantile sexuality and the development of the child has been well documented in the psychoanalytic and popular literature, as has his influence on therapeutic work with adults. Freud's influence on therapeutic work with children, however, has not been fully appreciated. It is generally accepted that the first psychoanalytic therapy of a child was the analysis of Little Hans. The purpose of this essay is twofold: (1) to trace the impact of Freud's contributions on what is currently considered the optimum therapeutic approach to children; and (2) to frame the analysis of Little Hans in its historical context.
