| This qualitative study explores how children communicate their inner stories through creative work in treatment. The central premise is that there is a relationship between storytelling in therapy and healing and changes in the self. The connection between themes of fantasies in children's therapeutic and fictional stories is also considered.; A review of literature includes discussion of theory and research related to fantasy and play in children, trauma in children, play as therapy with children, psychological interpretation of fairy tales, sandplay as a therapeutic storytelling technique, and the concept of self and how it relates to storytelling and progress in treatment.; Two case studies of children in long-term play therapy are discussed in depth. Data includes description of play, therapist-child interactions, observations made by the therapist, and photographs of creative products. Foci for analysis of cases are: the child's perception of the problem; recurring themes and symbolism; relationship between therapist and child; progression in treatment; references to fairy tales or children's fiction and association of themes with those in therapeutic stories; and indicators of an emerging sense of self.; Results of the case studies suggest that children communicate their sense of self and the world to others through creative play and expression. When their metaphorical messages are received and brought into the conscious, there is an opportunity for healing. Children are empowered to make changes in their stories, that reflect transformation of self. Children also utilize fictional stories to project fantasy and to rework their own stories.; This study suggests further possibilities for research on children's fantasies and the healing process in children. It also raises questions about the development of self in children and how this process differs from that in adults. |
