“T Play as a Language of Metaphor
The first aspect we will examine is play as a language of metaphor. For those who practice play therapy, we know that a puppet, for example, can represent many things. It
COMMENTS BY CLINICAL EDITOR: Author explores the effects of play on the brain through metaphor,
sensory engagement, and novelty
here, I’m safe now!”
exclaims the toy shark as he dives into a small box, barricaded with miniature fences and trees. “You are safe now, shark!” I exclaim reflecting the same level of energy the child expressed, a swirling mixture of excitement, accomplishment, and relief. The child stands with his hands on his hips, surveying his work. Despite his significant trauma history, the child has found a way to gain a sense of control in his life, a semblance of safety through his imaginary story. Play therapy is serious healing business.
Through the practice of play therapy, many of us have been honored to witness the beautiful resiliency and capacity for change and growth children exhibit in the playroom. The study of brain science is helping us determine how and why play therapy works to encourage this change and growth. To gain an understanding of the effects play has on the brain, we will explore three aspects of play and their impact on engagement and the capacity for healing. These aspects include play as a language of metaphor, play as an opportunity for varied sensory-based stimulation, and play-based interaction as a form of novelty.
can represent aggression or bravery, the perpetrator in one’s trauma history, a nurturing father, it can be used to act out one’s anxiety, or it can express one’s new-found confidence and autonomy. Play uses metaphor, allowing children to make what is in the play room whatever they need it to be (Kottman, 2011). Imagine that your 12-year-old client comes to session agitated about an argument with his adoptive mother. When you ask what happened, he shrugs and says, “My family is just so annoying sometimes,” and will not process any further. Now, imagine instead of trying to elicit a verbal response about his family, you ask him to show you his family using toy miniatures to represent each person, inviting him to use the miniatures to tell a story. This time, your client carefully chooses six different types of animals and places them together. He proceeds to tell a story about animals who are different, but have to live together. He creates boundaries so everyone can get along safely and peacefully (the lion cannot eat the gazelle as he would have in the past in his lion home, the owl has to stay up during the day now, etc.). As the therapist, you are thrilled at the insight, expression, and processing happening during the intervention. However, why was this intervention more successful than seeking a verbal response?
5 PLAYTHERAPY | September 2017 |
www.a4pt.org
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