Abstract
It is the thesis of this paper that therapy offers a sequence of opportunities for the patient to experience a comfortable oscillation between togetherness and parting: thepetit partings within each hour, those moments of silence or withdrawal, partings at the end of hours, vacations, spontaneous interruptions (when allowed), and, ultimately, termination. A nonauthoritarian method particularly respecting and fostering the patient's self-determination is proposed.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Balint, M.Thrills and regressions. New York: International Universities Press, 1959.
Balint, M.The basic fault. London: Tavistock Publications, 1968.
Freud, S. Analysis terminable and interminable (1937), SE, Vol. XXIII, London: The Hogarth Press, 1964.
Menninger, K.Theory of psychoanalytic technique. New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1958.
Shor, J., & Sanville, J.Illusion in loving. New York: International Universities Press, 1978. (Also Penguin paperback, 1979.)
Smalley, R.E.Theory for social work practice. New York & London: Columbia Universities Press, 1967.
Winnicott, D.W.Playing and reality. New York: Basic Books, Inc., 1971.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sanville, J. Partings and impartings: Toward a nonmedical approach to interruptions and terminations. Clin Soc Work J 10, 123–131 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757619
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757619