The New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute

Who Can Benefit from Child/Adolescent Analysis?

The main indication for child or adolescent analysis is the observation that the child or adolescent is off track in emotional development in comparison with what is expected to occur normally in children of the same age. Examples of those who might benefit from analysis include children who demonstrate the following symptoms: have problems establishing control over urinary and bowel functions; have difficulty separating easily from their parents; have fears which limit their relationships with peers or their performance in school; have eating problems and/or have repeated nightmares and insomnia.

Analysis may also be indicated for a child or adolescent who has difficulty managing his sexual and aggressive feelings including those who are overly shy and inhibited as well as those who may be more prone to overly aggressive and sexual acting-out behaviors. Since emotional difficulties can take many forms, it is necessary that a thorough evaluation of the individual child be done in order to determine if analysis might be beneficial. An emotional or behavioral disturbance in a child or adolescent may be an indication for a consultation.