Presentation time:
40 min
Discussion time:
5 min
Lead author:
Su-Chen Hung (TSAP)
Y. Weng (OTHER)
This article focuses on the play therapy journey of a child who has undergone physical illness and abuse and documents the changes that have occurred over two years. Initially, there was much ambiguity surrounding the family dynamics, school environment, and personal adjustments like socioeconomic status. Here the therapist reflects on the invasion, attack, and destruction of the inner mind, exemplified by the violent theme evident in her play process, acknowledging the urgent need for protection and highlighting the struggle to establish a structured and disentangled thought process. Over time, symbolism emerged in the middle phase of the therapy: the therapist and the client worked together in adventures phantasy and medical role-plays to explore the mental world and to process the loss of the physical illness.