A Case Study on Sandplay Therapy for a Girl Suffering from Selective Mutism
Hee Og Sim
Abstract
This study explored the case of sandplay therapy for a 4th grade girl suffering from selective mutism. Her selective mutism apparently began following an extremely embarrassing experience in kindergarten. Her symptoms were a combination of symbiotic, reactive and passive- aggressive type behaviors. The goal of the therapy undertaken with this child was to enable her to express her repression and suppression, within a free and protective space during sandplay therapy. There were a total of 60 sessions of sandplay therapy. The client described the situations she had experienced in the first sandtray, by placing babies absent caring adults and food on the sandbox. She also placed baby fish away from their mother. In the mid-point of the sessions, she repeated her regressive behaviors by babbling like a baby and fought with snakes and monsters. In the final sessions, she showed integration and adaptation by engaging in snow play, expressing the union of opposites, placing blue and red mig and making a cross on the sand. This study showed the effectiveness of sandplay therapy since her selective mutism was lessened.
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