THE CHILDS WORLD AND FAMILY WORLD

Interactive processes between the child's inner and outer worlds are o f first-rank importance for childhood psychogenesis. In this the parti cular family dynamic is especially important both for the creation of constructs and for ongoing semantic differentiation in the child. The diversity of modern family structures are also reflected in the child' s inner world. In the light of personally observed individual case stu dies, the paper describes interactive processes between the child, fam ily and professional worlds and draws possible action-oriented conclus ions for everyday pediatric practice. The remarks are based on a gener al concept of knowledge and action in family therapy (Meilen Concept [ The Meilen Concept is being developed in the Arbeitsgemeinschaft des A usbildungsinstituts fur systemische Therapie und Beratung, Meilen. Apa rt from the author its other members are ROSMARIE WELTER-ENDERLIN, BRU NO HILDENBRAND and ROBI WASCHLE]), which is also briefly outlined. The model is designed to make clear that the central pole of professional action is understanding of the individual case through the encounter of physician and patient system. Professional knowledge and the rules of the physician's craft serve to keep this encounter within the bound s of professionalism.