OBJECT RELATIONS THEORY

Object Relations Theory

What is Object Relations Theory and how is this Therapy Method used to Treat Children of Abuse?

Introduction

The fundamental basis of successful therapeutic work is geared toward one basic tenet-therapeutic intervention should begin where the client is emotionally, cognitively and spiritually. When working with children, this basic tenet is no different. It is critically important to have knowledge of healthy childhood development and remain aware that play is the primary form of communication for all children. There is much debate regarding therapeutic practices in regards to abused and neglected children and while forensic specialists and psychologists frequently debate such issues, one thing remains true and is evident to those working with children in therapy— treatment should be developmentally appropriate for each child, it should work from where the child is, not from a theory. The purpose of this section of the response is to discuss best practices in regards to children who are under the age of five and have experienced traumatic events. This report will discuss human development, include information regarding play therapy, and conclude with recommendations for best practices regarding play therapy with young children.

Play Therapy

For nearly 70 years, play therapy has been used to treat children who have psychological disorders or who have experienced trauma (Benedict, 2003). Playing is a normal part of a child's life and development (Lieberman, 1979) and as such, children who experience play therapy are able to deal with the emotions that are experienced after the traumatic event in a way that is developmentally appropriate for them. According to Charles E. Schaefer, "One of the strengths of play therapy is the diversity of theoretical approaches that are currently being applied in clinical practice with children...This diversity is a reflection of the fact that there are a multitude of therapeutic change mechanisms inherent in play. Among the more well-known therapeutic factors of play are its communication, relationship-enhancement, ego-boosting, and self-actualization powers" (2003). In play therapy, the actual act of playing becomes a child's primary form of communication to the therapist (Lieberman, 1979). Play therapy gives verbal and non-verbal children the opportunity to develop a relationship with the therapist and according to Erikson, is "the most natural method of self-healing that childhood affords" (Lieberman, 1979). When children play they can communicate about current and past events, can use verbal and non-verbal expressions to describe events in their lives, and can safely develop play themes around the child's current problem (Lieberman, 1979).

There are several different theoretical models of play therapy that may be used with children who have experienced trauma. Their modes can be directive, non-directive, or a combination of both. They range in theoretical orientation from psychoanalytic play therapy, which uses a Freudian approach, to cognitive behavioral play therapy, which uses a cognitive behavioral approach. For the purposes of this case we will focus on child-centered play therapy, which is a person-centered approach to working with children and object relations thematic play therapy (Schaefer, 2003). For younger children child-centered and object relations thematic ...