Episodic Experiences of Child Physical Abuse, Early Relational Trauma and Post-Traumatic Play: Theoretical Considerations and Clinical Illustrations

This article aims to explore how the post-traumatic play of children who have suffered from episodic experiences of physical abuse differs from that of children who have experienced early relational traumas (ERT) resulting from chronic exposure to maltreatment and neglect. A theoretical and clinical analysis of the first play therapy session of a child who lived episodic experiences of physical abuse and that of a child who was exposed to ERT is presented. This analysis is informed by the Children's Play Therapy Instrument and the theories proposed by Cha zan and Cohen in Journal of Child Psychotherapy, 36(2), 133 –151 (2010), and Romano in  Le Journal Des Psychologues,279, 57 –61 (2010). The nature of the relationship between children and their primary caregivers and the child-therapist relationship are also discussed. ERT appear to compromise the development of diverse abilities in children. Among them, access to the world of mental representations, which depends to a large extent on the presence of mindful and attentive parents, and their ability to capture and respond contingently to the playful proposals of children.
Source: Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma - Category: Child Development Source Type: research