Why can't I get hives: brief strategic therapy with an obsessional child.

A case study is presented of a 10-year-old boy who obsessively feared he would vomit. The material is formulated within a psychodynamic as well as a strategic model, and treatment approaches are suggested for each. The treatment consisted of a five-session, strategic, problem-focused approach over three months with a two-year follow-up. The rationale and effective ingredients of the intervention are discussed.