ABSTRACT
In this chapter, authors discuss how all of the stages thus far come together to help the client make meaning of the creative product and their therapeutic experience with the therapist. Different from child-centered play therapy, Creative Play Therapy recognizes that adolescents and adults usually need to understand what their creation means to them. Therapists notice themes and patterns displayed by the clients by observing the client through the lens of their professional intuition. Authors suggest that therapists look for repeated patterns in colors, images, miniatures, lyrics, or dialogue, considering the frequency and intensity of the repetition. Professional intuition and theory should guide the therapist in determining themes. “I wonder” statements are discussed as a tool to assist clients in understanding the meaning of their creations. Sample dialogue from a case example are presented.
The Creative Play Therapy approach has seven phases which are displayed in Figure 10.1
