Reenvisioning Jungian analytical play therapy with child sexual assault survivors.

Abstract

noted that integrative therapies-those that combine directive and nondirective strategies-possess the capacity to benefit a child traumatized by sexual assault. Jungian analytical play therapy (JAPT) is a creative, integrative therapy that may be beneficial when applied to children affected by CSA (J. Allan, 1988). Within the safety of a nonjudgmental, therapeutic relationship, children affected by CSA may become consciously aware of and subsequently resolve conflicting emotions associated with sexual assault in symbolic, less-threatening ways. Through participation in JAPT, the child's psyche may begin the therapeutic process of integrating inner and outer emotional polarities in an archetypal quest for self-healing after sexual trauma (E. Green, 2005).

Child Sexual Abuse in the United States: Perspectives on Assessment and Intervention

“…There are several challenges involved with attaining accurate prevalence statistics (Davidson, Shannon, Mulholland, & Campbell, 2009 (Green, 2008). Additional confusion exists in the mental health field when the terms sexual abuse and sexual assault are used interchangeably to represent different types of victimization.…”

“…The experience of CSA also frequently obstructs a child's ability to complete developmental tasks (e.g., development of motor skills, cognitive abilities, school performance, and social skills), which negatively affects the overall well-being of the child, both at the time of the abuse and throughout the victim's lifespan (Reyes & Asbrand;2005). Despite the many immediate and potential future negative consequences of the trauma, early intervention is often successful in treating the child's presenting symptoms (Dyregrov & Yule, 2006;Green, 2008).…”

“…The experience of CSA can directly impact a child's functioning (Goldfinch, 2009;Tomlinson, 2008). Researchers agree that early intervention using evidenced-based practices is often successful in the reduction of child victims' trauma-related symptoms (Green, 2008). Furthermore, many children return to their pre-trauma level of functioning and flourish (Leckman & Mayes, 2007).…”

Transpersonal psychotherapy applied to children: a Jungian approach

“…Jungian counsellors take their sense of direction from the unfolding of the child's world through image, symbol, metaphor, play, and writing (Green, 2008). Jung was not so much concerned with the causes of problems as he was with where the client's images and metaphors would lead (Bennet, 1966).…”

“…Green (2007) has also shown JAPT to be useful when dealing with children experiencing crises. JAPT's treatment plan involves three steps: (1) counselling a child 50 minutes per week in a controlled, emotionally, and physically safe environment; (2) conducting one filial or family play therapy session with a child's family or legal guardians every 3 weeks; and (3) consulting with a multidisciplinary team of school-and community-based professionals to provide a holistic form of care (Green, 2008). Jungian therapists have also reported anecdotal evidence of Jungian therapy being effective for childhood anxiety, depression, as well as other forms of abuse (Allan, 1988;Allan & Bertoia, 1992).…”