[ WP ] You are the psychiatrist tasked with evaluating , and diagnosing , Calvin from `` Calvin and Hobbes '' .

These parents look exhausted. Dad is absent, has a kindly face but seems one of those city types. Works very hard to provide for his family, but also enjoys the escape of work. He seems physically fit but also looks a little worn out. Mother seems at her wits end, and I do n't know why. She seems like one of those people who are easily stressed. She is very polite and well spoken. 
 
 The kid looks like he might be the reason she gets stressed easily. He is clearly not really'here', although I can tell he is concerned and this is just his way of coping. Nothing sinister, it's just how he is. I remember seeing children like this when I was observing pupils' behavior and learning attitudes in schools. The parents mentioned on the phone that he has an imaginary friend, who he is clinging to here, called'Hobbes'. Hobbes is a little tiger. 
 
 Calvin is 8. It's a Wednesday morning, during the Winter school break, 11am. I am fed up already. My previous client just does n't seem to acknowledge that she can not change things that trouble her, only her reaction to them. A familiar story. 
 
'Hello Calvin. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?' 
 
'I'm 8. This is Hobbes.' 
 
'What is Hobbes like?' 
 
 I ask this, because Hobbes already seems more of an integral part to Calvin's life than it might appear. 
 
'Hobbes is a tiger. He eats tuna, he likes to sleep a lot.' 
 
'Is he your friend?' 
 
'He's my buddy.' 
 
'Hobbes has been around forever', interjects mom. I give her a nod. 
 
'We have asked once, about Hobbes, but Calvin really loves that toy', Dad offers. 
 
 I find it interesting they call Hobbes a toy in front of Calvin. I feel like they are being uncharacteristically honest about this'toy', and that usually they indulge the kid's fantasy. 
 
 We discuss a few things in our first session. Calvin talks enthusiastically about his uncle Max, less enthusiastically about his school, and about a boy who is mean to him. 
 
 It's quite clear that this boy is very bright, extremely expressive and very sensitive. 
 
 Our first session ended amicably. 
 
'What do you hope to achieve by seeing me? Would you be happy for me to have one on one sessions with Calvin?' 
 
 Mom looks at Dad and they reach an agreement with their eyes. 
 
'If you think that would help. I do n't think we would be here if the school had n't recommended it. We need to at least know if Calvin has a medical condition...' 
 
'... or if there's something else?' 
 
'Exactly', says Dad. 
 
 I look at Calvin. He's looking out of the window, kicking his feet against the chair legs. 
 
'See you next week, same time. As I said, I will visit Calvin at school when the holidays finish. Thank you very much for coming. Bye Calvin, it was lovely to meet you'. 
 
'It sure was nice to meet you too', Calvin replies. Almost sweetly. 
 
 I make the effort to smile, but it came out more naturally than I thought it would. 
 
'Take care. I will see you next week.' 

