Most theories of schizophrenia were proposed at a time when it was thought the schizophrenic patient could not be treated with psychotherapy because, according to those theories, he was out of contact with reality. In recent years a variety of therapists have been developing therapeutic techniques which seem to produce some results with schizophrenics. It has been difficult to see a connection between the ways these therapists actually deal with a patient and former theories of the psychopathology. Such therapists may have a violent struggle with a patient, they may have a quiet, insightful conversation with him, or they may spoon feed him like an infant. It is possible to learn more about the nature of schizophrenia by examining these therapeutic methods. An attempt will be made here to demonstrate that the various techniques of therapy involve a similar pattern which can be related to