Sections
Excerpt
The brief vignette that opens this chapter captures the essence of imaginary play and its privileged position within psychodynamic child therapy. The child’s private fantasies and anxieties, along with the meanings and interpretations she attributes to her daily experience, are vividly portrayed via action and narration. In the safe, nonconsequential setting of pretense with a trusted adult, wherein reality is mutually suspended, Sophia’s potentially unacceptable wishes and impulses can achieve full expression. Disavowed affects and unwanted roles are assigned to the therapist, who animates and elaborates them through her participation in the play. Sophia’s overall absorption and pleasure in playing is unmistakable. Indeed, both child and therapist are fully immersed in their imaginary activities, but Dr. Graber attempts to maintain a reflective stance as well, thinking about the play in the context of what is known about Sophia’s history and current situation.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).