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In 1966 in a paper titled “Maturational Interpretations,” Dr. Spotnitz wrote, “The therapist does not intervene to reduce developmental needs directly … rather he intervenes to lay the foundation for new growth by freeing the patient from the stranglehold of pathological maladaptations” (p. 5).
The idea that interpretation of archaic defenses often falls on deaf cars and may even amplify a patient's opposition to treatment has also been described in great detail in the literature (Clevans, 1957; ; Liegner, 1977; ; ; Meadow, 1974; ; Ormont, 1964; Rosenthal, 1976). These analysts have described joining techniques and maturational approaches that have been effectively utilized in their analytic work with both individuals and groups.
More recently there has been much interest and discussion in modern analytic theory and treatment about the differentiation between the concepts of developmental needs, maturational interventions and maturational interpretations.
This paper defines and discusses the concept of maturational intervention, recounts the history and origin of the concept, and describes how it evolved at the Bronx office of the Jewish Board of Guardians from 1951 to 1953 in a study group for the diagnosis and treatment of borderline children and their parents. The successful