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The theoretical and clinical literature on children and adolescents has presented rich and detailed descriptions of a group of children and adolescents who show characteristics similar to each other but different from those children and adolescents who show the characteristics associated with the psychoses and neuroses (Anthony & Gilpin, 1981; Chethik, 1979; Ekstein, 1966; Masterson, 1972; Petti & Law, 1982; Rinsley, 1980; Robson, 1983.) Terms such as borderline child, borderline disorder, and borderline personality disorder have been used to distinguish these children and adolescents. Various aspects of treatment with these children and adolescents have also been discussed. This literature, however, has not focused in much depth on the course of the lengthy treatments that may occur.
This paper presents the initial assessment and the course of 8 years of therapy with a “borderline child.” This treatment focused especially on the use of fantasy in understanding, responding to, and working on psychological issues.