Merging and Emerging Realities: Simultaneous Treatment of Parent and Child

Therapists are aware of the essential impact of the relationship to the parents upon the course of a child’s treatment. This paper focuses on a method of treating parent and child separately, by the same therapist. A theoretical model is suggested as a useful frame of reference for following the parallel course of treatment. Components of the treatment process are illustrated within the context of a clinical case. Issues of intergenerational transmission of trauma and the complex interface of emotions for therapist and patients are discussed.