'Squiggles in the dust': An implicit theory of symbolization in Winnicott's 'Therapeutic Consultations in Child Psychiatry'

Near the end of his life, D.W. Winnicott collected a number of case studies in which he documented his use of the "squiggle game" into a book, Therapeutic Consultations in Child Psychiatry (1971a). This dissertation uses these studies of the squiggle game as a medium through which to investigate the way in which psychoanalytic symbolization contributes to transformational models of psychological change. Transformational models emphasize the creation of meaning and meaningfulness as a necessary horizon in the treatment of patients suffering from disorders of the self This dissertation utilizes a grounded theory methodology to investigate Winnicott's particular approach to symbolization in the Therapeutic Consultations, and to elaborate an implicit theory of symbolization in his work to show how Winnicott understood the treatment of these patients to progress. Case material from the book is discussed in order to see how Winnicott facilitated transformational processes with his patients. Winnicott's model is then contrasted with the more explicit formulations of some of his colleagues in the British Society, similarities and differences are discussed and future directions for research are indicated.