The evolution of the child towards a fully-developed intersubjective relation is discussed
using some aspects of the attachment theory. Attention is given to the importance of early
interactive regulation of emotion between infant and his caregiver in the development of the
self. Within this process the child should be approached as an active partner. This regulation
is modulated by factors specific to the child, as well as to the caregiver and to the environment.
Such child factors can contribute to the stagnation of the development of the self in
an early stage so that also the capacity of attachment remains underdeveloped. Physical
handicaps often imply a limitation of the psychotherapeutic possibilities. Nevertheless, therapeutic
opportunities can be created when one is willing to start from where development
stagnated, thus from the primary contact of the child with himself and with the environment.
Prouty’s Pre Therapy can be a helpful tool.
The tPeP (Journal Person-centered experiential Psychotherapy) is the scientific journal for Dutch and Flemish psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, that work from, or are interested in a client-centered perspective.