Using a psychodynamic family model, the author describes staff problems encountered and largely resolved over a period of years as his traditional child guidance clinic moved into new modes of community involvement. The following three principles emerged. 1, Professionals' acquired skills become invested with narcissistic libido, making the professional vulnerable to the same dangers perceived by a very young child. 2, Sibling rivalry is the paradigm for competition between new and traditional methods of intervention. 3, 'The economic principle for prevention of conflict' should govern planning of the distribution of clinic energies.