Psychotherapy with the Children or Disciples of Charismatic Individuals
MILTON H. MILLER M.D.1, and
LEIGH M. ROBERTS M.D.2
1 Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin Medical Center, Madison, Wis. 53706
2 Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin Medical Center, Madison, Wis. 53706
The child of an individual whom society has identified as charismatic may find it difficult to achieve the individuality and freedom for independent growth necessary to his own maximal adjustment and self-realization. In working with such a patient, the therapist should attempt neither to destroy the image of the "great man" nor to offer himself to the patient as a substitute. He may be able to foster a corrective emotional experience by focusing upon aspects of the patient's presentation from which his family is excluded.
