Earning Reality: A Comment on Henry Kronengold's “Hey Toy Man”

Abstract

This article offers a commentary on Dr. Henry Kronengold's piece, “Hey Toy Man.” Kronengold's article is an account of an adopted girl's therapy. In “Hey Toy Man,” Kronengold gives detailed notes on his treatment of Abby and argues for a therapeutic approach that allows the child's play to set the major terms of the therapy. In this commentary, the author follows the development in Kronengold's case history and offers alternate clinical interventions as a point of consideration. Drawing on the work of Ferro, the author takes up the question of when direct interpretation may constrict the play and when it may be of value in work with children.