Discussion

Dr. Abell has undertaken a most difficult task. He has presented a brief description of personality development and its practical application to the treatment of one patient in individual and group analysis. We are greatly indebted to him, since it is only by such reports, which correlate theory and practice, that we can arrive at a better understanding of what we do in therapy.

Although much therapy is being carried on, there are few reports of this nature. One reason is that such reports tend to be “unscientific”—which they have to be because of the nature of the task. Because of this they can be easily criticized. One can always question the depth and permanency of any improvement and whether it would have happened anyway in the normal course of events. From personal communication with Dr. Abell in which I learned more than it was possible for him to relate here, I am convinced that his patient, Al, had a deep growth experience with character change. However, as always, the crucial questions remain: What is effective in therapy and how? What is a growth experience?

Dr. Abell has given some concepts he found helpful. Do not for a moment think that he intended to convey the notion that the vastness, complexity, and concreteness of the therapeutic process can be contained in a few formulations. Completeness is never possible and each of us focuses on those constructs with which we are most familiar. Ideally speaking, we should be in constant search for those tools enabling us to conduct therapy with the least waste motion and optimum results.

It is important not to take theoretical concepts too literally. When theoretical abstractions are used as categories, the description of one patient begins to sound like another and everyone will feel that this applies to him. Every neurotic has been deprived in some way, has hostility, derogates himself, and has sex problems.

Dr. Abell briefly describes stages of development, in each of which certain emotional needs required fulfi