Putting Children’s Books in Therapy

The following are the transcribed session notes from the practice of Dr. A. Krupnik, Ph.D. After some reflection on each case and, in particular, the similar origins of the individual patients, community therapy might be recommended. Maybe even some sort of outside support group or club.

Identifiers have been obfuscated to protect the privacy of the patients.

After a being laid-off from job, patient has experienced marked depression, and is given to anthropomorphizing inanimate objects. Very recent progress made when patient finally found work, though patient admits he worked himself into an exhaustive state in an attempt to finish the job in a single day. Patient’s full recovery hinges on his efforts to leave cellar dwelling where he’s installed “Mary Anne.”

A Man and His Method of Digging

Patient is given to uncontrollable outbursts of anger, extreme anxiety, and is potentially depressed (as exhibited by overeating, banging head against a wall repeatedly, and sleeping for months on end). However, most troubling aspect is a co-dependent relationship without whom patient seems able to cope with life. Possible body dysmorphic issues as well. Continued cognitive therapy is recommended along with Prozac.

Leptodactylidae and Bufonidae Don’t Hate Each Other

Patient suffers from a unique form of selective eating disorder and general food neophobia. Has startling enmity for her “fat” “show-offy” little sister. Copes by obsessively singing songs to herself.

A Form of Starch and a Preserved Breakfast Spread for a Talking Badger

Left alone on train tracks while everyone patient ever knew caught another train. According to patient, this “more capable form of transport” then taunted her with chants of “I think I can! I think I can!” as everyone left her behind. Suffers from feelings of inadequacy and fears of abandonment. Enrolled in a self-esteam workshop. Note: seemingly afraid of heights, specifically mountains.

A Minute Steam Locomotive Successfully Transported Cargo

Patient unable to be content with status quo. While patient is capable of knowing exactly what he wants in life, patient has unquenchable need to constantly acquire more and more material goods (a button, a pocket, etc.) Drive to acquire has led patient into dangerous situations involving trespassing in closed department stores and, on one occasion, spending the night at a closed laundromat.

Denim

Patient declares he hates everyone and everything. Overly concerned with his footwear (running shoes, primarily) and hasn’t visited a dentist in years. Stepping up sessions to three times a week as patient is contemplating relocating to Australia.

Prepubescent Boy and The 24-Hour Period of Never Ever Getting Out of Bed Again

Patient given to anhedonia and profound pessimism; sees life as futile. Seems to think all friends are stupid, while also harboring suspicion two of his best friends are attempting to “gaslight” him by destroying his house and building a new one. (Note: “gaslight” is not a term I choose to employ professionally, but it is important to note patient’s use of it in our sessions.) Given patient described house as a “gloomy place” and “rather boggy and sad,” not clear why destruction of house all bad. Possible scatological obsession, refers to friend as “poo.” Recommendation made that life might improve once tack is removed from posterior and a series of prophylactic tetanus shots scheduled.

Episodic Narratives about an Ursidae