Imaginary Therapy

Moe is a 39 year old chimpanzee with an Identity Disorder. Because of distance, he has not been a regular psychotherapy client. But over the past seven years he has consulted me at important turning points in his life.

Moe’s central concern has been “Who am I?” Since his life involves two species - human and chimpanzee – the answer to that question has been very difficult for him to find.

The origins of Moe’s problem clearly lie in his biology and early upbringing. However, as in every case of Identity Disorder, his confusion about himself has been complicated by the way others have seen him and treated him.

This is a summary of my therapy notes from 1998 through March, 2005, when Moe's beloved human caretaker was horribly mauled by a pair of chimpanzees.

FIRST SESSION: August 9, 1998