ABSTRACT
The authors examine a process of name and nickname assignment in a family. Particular attention is paid to the way in which the phenomenon in this particular family is a reflection of a firmly established pattern in the father’s extended family. Furthermore, there is a review of the beginning stages of their dealing with this issue in family sessions. The paper places emphasis on the accumulation of data related to the naming patterns. In addition, the authors focus on the ways in which the therapists begin to help the child extricate himself from this complex family interaction as a prerequisite for his gaining a greater sense of identity and self-esteem.
