It later became apparent that Matt had been the victim of physical and sexual abuse by his father. Matt s surface behavoirs, of joking and lack of care, were cover ups for the constant feelings of vulnerability and anger he felt inside. His encopresis kept people away that might hurt him and it made him unattractive to potential sexual abusers. The psychologist used play therapy techniques and provided an atmosphere of unconditional positive regard and genuine concern that allowed Matt to trust the psychologist enough to work on his underlying emotional issues and talk about his history of abuse and neglect. Eventually, Matt stopped being encopredic and was able to return to a reasonably normal life.
Encopresis is a serious disorder that have various medical and emotional causes.
In addition, it can dramatically affect a child s self-esteem. It also affect parents and caregivers who are must confront their own feelings of frustration and anger when dealing with the problem. Overcoming encopresis is not easy but it is also not impossible. With insight, patience, and perseverance, children can, and do, overcome encopresis. Ballantine Books, New York.