Whose Control? A Discussion of Henry Kronengold's “Hey Toy Man”

Abstract

In response to Dr. Kronengold's absorbing presentation of a two-year play therapy with a 6 year old girl, questions are raised and discussed about the nature and role of control in psychotherapy with children. While Dr. Kronengold appears to cede control to his patient, an argument is made here for the importance of the center of control residing within the therapist, even when the subjective experiences of patient and therapist are otherwise. Thoughts about the role of knowing and of knowledge are also discussed, including speculation about the unique meaning of “knowing” for this particular patient in this particular treatment.