Owen does not come across as a likeable child in this session, and it is easy to forget that he is only 3 years old. If he always finds it this difficult to bring a lovable, endearing part of himself to his encounter with others, he is less likely to gain sympathetic attention in the world and have his needs met. Owen's attacks on his mother are more reminiscent of a violent adult, and his ability to upset and frighten her, as well as his reported attraction to blood and gore, seem ominous in one so young. It is impossible not to think of Owen's alcoholic father, and the violence that Owen witnessed towards his mother in his first year of life. However, the terrified infant who witnessed this violence is not in evidence. Owen has split off his frightened infant self and is identified with an adult aggressor.

It is fortunate that Ms S has come to an under-fives counselling service at this early stage, because what the session also shows is that there is still