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The name “Harry Baker” was selected to preserve the anonymity of the subject of this case presentation. Its publication was sanctioned by the boy and his mother on the understanding that their true identities would not be divulged. The external circumstances are suitably disguised, but Harry's thoughts and feelings, his problems and progress, actions and aspirations are recorded as he communicated them in the course of his treatment.
Harry's treatment was conducted in the 1950s, a period when a growing number of seriously disturbed children were coming to the attention of child guidance agencies . Under the direction of the principal author, who served as consultant psychiatrist to one of these agencies, the Jewish Board of Guardians, New York City, a research project was established at the Bronx office of the JBG to investigate the therapeutic needs of such children, and provide the requisite training for experienced caseworkers who wanted to treat them. A limited number of demonstration cases were conducted by Dr. Nagelberg, a clinical psychologist, under the principal author's supervision.
One of those cases was that of a boy, diagnosed as an early schizophrenic, and severely withdrawn. He is the subject of this case presentation.
In discussing the plan of treatment, it was hypothesized that Harry's basic problem was his vast reservoir of destructive im-pulsivity. Because of his inability to control its release and his oversensitivity to the pressures of the environment, he resorted to withdrawal to prevent himself from acting destructively. Whatever the reason or reasons for this condition, Harry was to be