Chapter One
INTRODUCTION: THE HEALING
POTENTIAL OF ADULTS AT PLAY
Dottie Ward-Wimmer
Susanna looked quite amazed. With an edge of anger and incredulity in her
voice, she said, "You want me to play with this stuff? Well, I'm not going to."
The therapist explained that there were no expectations, and they could
work in whatever way felt most comfortable to her. She sat stiffly on the
couch and they began by just talking.
It wasn't long before curiosity won out. Over time, games were tried, art
projects explored, and, eventually, the sand proved irresistible.
One day she took a great deal of time creating a scene using only three
"neutral" objects. Then, sitting with her head resting on the edge of the tray,
she gazed into it, tears falling silently.
When the session was over, she sighed, smiled, and quietly left. There was
simply nothing to be said. Words would have been an intrusion.
The next morning, the therapist found a message on her voice mail. It was
Susanna. "Thank you for letting me figure it out. I'll see you next week."
Play therapy is, indeed, a powerful tool for adults. Susanna had become stuck
in her traditional talk therapy and was referred by ... read full excerpt from Play Therapy with Adults ebook
