Chapter 3, Developmental Issues - I'm Not Waving, I'm Drowning Summary and Analysis

This chapter begins with an account of fifteen-year-old Charlotte's treatment. Charlotte's biological father, an abusive alcoholic, divorces Charlotte's mother, Sue, when Charlotte is only three. Sue begins working long hours, and the family struggles financially. When Charlotte enters therapy, she is flunking the ninth grade. She smokes cigarettes, drinks whiskey, and uses pot. Her mother and stepfather disapprove of her relationship with boyfriend Mel, who is twenty-two. Charlotte hates the students and teachers at her school.

In contrast, Dr. Pipher discusses twelve-year-old Lori. Lori is not a patient, but Dr. Pipher knows her well. Lori is highly gifted and qualifies for a special tutor, but prefers to take a mixture of regular and advanced classes at the junior high school with her friends. When Dr...