Spontaneous Poetry in the Therapy of a Feral Street-Child: Recording a Return from Alienation

Abstract

A remarkable young man is described who suffered multiple handicaps and cruel deprivations, from birth. He became a street person at an early age, living in derelict houses. After a suicide attempt, he responded well to intensive time-limited psychotherapy with an existential and Zen approach. He began spontaneously writing poetry which recorded his gradually reducing alienation. He was able to enter higher education, win a prestigious University scholarship, and become involved in the helping professions.