Revista Brasileira de Psicanálise
Print version ISSN 0486-641X
Abstract
MAGAGNA, Jeanne. Keeping the mouth shut: communication beyond words.Translated byTania Mara Zalcberg. Rev. bras. psicanál [online]. 2016, vol.50, n.4, pp.101-118. ISSN 0486-641X.
We have worried about non-speaking children, and we have tried to put words in their mouths. However, the more we force them to speak, the more tightly closed their mouths may become. Sometimes we put ourselves in the position of teaching the child to speak. We finally realize a relationship is not a question of words; it is a one's wish to reach out to the other, to offer oneself to another, and to find some meaning together in order to understand what are the barriers to forming a good rapport with others. The child's words may be useful in the therapy (as well as talking to the child), but they may not be the essential ingredient. By focusing on communication beyond words, this paper will examine autistic defenses in children with feeding problems.
Keywords : primitive omnipotence; regression; rejection; parental work; angst; affliction.