Meeting the Little Professor of the Psychotic Client

Abstract

The author describes a state of heightened perception and intuition observed on initial contact with many psychotic clients. She attributes this to a poorly established sense of trust which interferes with a shift from the Little Professor, or A₁ ego state, to the Adult or Parent ego state when reacting to people at first meeting. Suggestions are given for using this ego state behavior to the therapist's and client's mutual advantage.