Psychodynamic Play Therapy: A Case of Selective Mutism

• Main Authors: Fernandez, Karina Therese G, Sugay, Celine O
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2016
• Subjects: Child Psychology; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Psychology; Somatic Psychology
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/psychology-faculty-pubs/354; https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fpla0000034
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

Psychodynamic play therapy, when used in treating selective mutism, focuses on how a child utilizes materials, which help in understanding the child and the mute behavior through symbols. Playing becomes the child’s way to communicate and make sense of his experiences. The child is given the opportunity to master fears and learn skills, which later on becomes a resource to draw on. This study presents a case of a 9-year-old girl with selective mutism. The child’s family dynamics are played out, where play therapy serves as a medium for expressing the themes related to her issues. The play therapy also becomes a vehicle for behavioral change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)