Blom argues persuasively for a more open-minded attitude toward behavior modification on the part of psychoanalytically oriented therapists. Avoiding an either-or approach, he presents his views on behavior modification as an additional tool (along with analytically oriented approaches and educational techniques) in a day care facility for seriously disturbed children. An exclusive focus on underlying conflicts fails to enhance skills, alter specific behaviors, and facilitate adaptation and change; it also fails to provide sufficient guidance for parents. Blom's discussion of behavior modification theory and the extreme responses that it elicits among professionals merits attention.