An Introduction to the Papers – Child Analysts in the Community – Daycare and Preschool Consultation and On-Site Services

Abstract

ABSTRACT Psychoanalysts have increasingly sought opportunities to move beyond their consultation rooms to find ways to provide service from a psychoanalytic point of view where it could be well utilized. While there is a long tradition of these endeavors, such as Freud’s free clinics, for child analysts searching for ways to provide service and support for young children and for those who care for them has long been an ideal. This section introduction strives to provide context and rationale for this important work. Support for the child’s development of improved verbalization of affect and social and emotional development more broadly are noted. As well, a brief (and necessarily incomplete) review of the history of such efforts and reference to attempts to undertake research regarding efficacy and efforts to establish best practices is provided.