Modification of neurotic compensations in the course of brief psychotherapy

Abstract

The case described concerns a 9-year-old boy suffering from encopresis and enuresis, treated with brief psychotherapy, which led to the resolution of his symptoms. The child, who came from a family with a complex situation, showed an intense sense of inferiority, expressing a great need for protection and defense. During psychotherapy, the child initially expressed fear of being judged and blamed, and struggled with a strong sense of guilt related to his condition. The therapist used techniques such as journaling and storytelling to help him explore and understand his inner experiences and defense mechanisms. The therapeutic approach allowed the child to better understand his rivalry with his father and to address his sense of inferiority, promoting a change in his compensation patterns. Following a profound change in his attitude toward himself, the symptom gradually subsided and eventually disappeared. The child subsequently requested to discontinue psychotherapy, but the therapist agreed to a period of monitoring. After one year, no relapses were detected, confirming the stability of the change