Missing Pieces and Incoherence: An Interpersonal/Relational Perspective on Dr. Kronengold's Clinical Material

Abstract

In this commentary, the author highlights adoption related themes as they appear in Dr. Henry Kronengold's clinical material, featured in this issue. Multiple losses, experiences of exclusion, failed searches, trickery and obstacles to knowledge abound, with attendant painful frustrations and compensatory family romance fantasies emerging. An unacknowledged enactment is hypothesized as a precipitant of the abrupt ending of the treatment. Questions are raised as to the mutative factors, goals, and criteria for termination in child therapy. It is suggested that treatment effectiveness lies in the therapist's ability to become immersed in the unfolding process, be the recipient of unformulated aspects of the patient's experience, and appreciate and participate in the co-construction of an increasingly coherent narrative. The incomplete aspects of the work are noted.