Understanding Children’s Battle Scenes: Insights into Repetitive Play in Therapy

Mar 14, 2024

In today’s episode, we dive into a question from Ariana about children’s consistent play themes of battles and fights in therapy sessions. Ariana shares her experiences with clients repeatedly setting up battle scenes with varying degrees of aggression, leading to character deaths each time. We explore different interpretations of this repetitive play, including themes of power and control, dominance, means to an end, destruction, and third-person aggression. Additionally, we discuss the significance of documenting repetition and recognizing shifts in play narratives. Ultimately, our goal is to provide children with the space and support they need to explore and process their emotions within the therapeutic relationship.

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References:

Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley.
VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press.
Landreth, G. L. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-Routledge.
Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

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