A technique of psychotherapeutic intervention with physically abused children based on their typical ego deficits and psychopathology is described. A crucial ingredient of the treatment process is the modification of the pathological inner world of the abused child. Effective treatment interrupts the vicious cycle in which the child re-creates the original sadomasochistic relationship derived from interaction with parents. If unchecked, this can lead to further rejection and traumatization. Psychotherapy of the abused child is best carried out in the context of a multidisciplinary treatment of the family.