At the reception - family: parents (both 45 years old), their sons (19 and 25 years old). 19-year-old (let it be Andrey) is an identified patient (a carrier of a symptom with which the presence of a problem is associated). Andrey is a self-mutilator (he cut his hands). Everyone was brought, as often happens in such cases, by Andrei’s mother. The last one doesn't work. I couldn’t go to college on a budget (I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian). There is not enough money for a paid department in the family - the parents are building a house. The older brother works, is married, lives separately with his family. Dad builds, mom works. After school, Andrei got a job, but he was fired due to organizational reasons. Since then (a year and a half) he has not worked or studied. Drinks beer in the evenings, sits at the computer. Suicidal tendencies began to appear about a year ago. His parents attribute this to Andrei’s inability to cope with difficulties, when they arise he becomes lost, withdraws into himself, and becomes depressed. We contacted the PND. There they “scared” me with the diagnosis and the future prospects. We didn’t go to psychiatrists anymore. According to medicine, he is healthy. In general, we sit and talk. Andrei is in the center, all his relatives are around him, his mother holds his hand, chatting incessantly, his brother is tense and depressed, his father is worried and silent. Complaints about Andrei’s behavior have been pouring in for an hour. Andrey is calm, but gloomy. His condition resembles that of a person who is in some kind of dead end. All the relatives take turns repeating that they are ready to give almost everything, if only Andrei would stop harming himself and “come to his senses”! An idea comes. I tell them: “Do I understand correctly that you are all ready to give a lot to improve Andrei’s condition?” “Of course,” his relatives answer almost unanimously. Me: “Andrei!” I want to congratulate you with all my heart! You've achieved your goal! I’m sincerely happy for you! I pause. Everyone is looking at me carefully. I continue: “You have a unique opportunity!” Perhaps this is your finest hour, so to speak! Pause. Silence. In people’s eyes there are only two words: don’t be tormented!... Me: - Andryukha! You did a very good job and organized your family so cleverly that they are now ready to do everything for you! Self-harm is the most effective way (albeit dangerous) to attract attention and resources to achieve your goal - study at a paid department! Pause...Me: - In short, don't be a sucker! Ask for money and go to university. What else do you need? Andrey: - I need a car. (a cunning bastard, he missed the trick!), he said and looked at his father with hope... Dad nodded, saying no problem. But his eyes widened... - Yes, of course. We will give you money for both a car and education! - Mom burst out. The older brother nodded his head in agreement. Me: “Well, we agree: Andrei studies in a paid department, drives a car and forgets about self-harm forever!” So yes! - Everyone is enthusiastically supportive. We part on a positive note. A month later Andrey came to see me again. He showed off his car. I submitted documents to a Moscow university for veterinary medicine, my parents paid for a year in advance.