ABSTRACT
Time-limited psychodynamic psychotherapy involves the setting up of various parameters concerning time, as well as being clear about the aims and objectives of the therapy from the outset. This entails working towards a positive outcome and behavioural change that encompasses not only the child and young person, but also their parents. Time-limited psychodynamic psychotherapy is therefore viewed as a transformative process. Time-limited psychotherapy is considered to be a legitimate treatment mode in its own right in the vast majority of cases, and is not viewed as the lesser option to longterm therapy, or as a holding device until a vacancy occurs for longer term therapy. The clarity of practitioners about these parameters, how these are conveyed to, and understood by, their respective
patients, children, parents and young people, is a critical part of the therapeutic process.
