13- Discovering Meaning When There Seems to Be No Meaning

Chapter 13: (pp. 285-302)

Key Answer: B. The child’s play is a form of communication

Explanation: In child-centered play therapy, play is considered the child’s natural language. A child may not speak, but their play behavior is a symbolic form of communication, often revealing feelings or experiences that cannot be expressed verbally.

In child-centered play therapy, when a child is playing but not speaking, the therapist should understand that:

A. The child is refusing to communicate
B. The child’s play is a form of communication
C. The therapist must encourage the child to talk
D. Silence means the child is disengaged

Key Answer: B. Comment on what the child is doing and allow them to proceed at their own pace

Explanation: Tracking the child’s actions (e.g., “I see you looking in the mirror”) validates their experience and communicates presence without pressuring them. This helps build safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship.

What is the best initial therapist response when a new child client, like Bria, stands silently and appears tense?

A. Ask the child a series of open-ended questions to prompt conversation
B. Comment on what the child is doing and allow them to proceed at their own pace
C. Give the child instructions to start playing with toys
D. Wait silently until the child decides to speak

Key Answer: C. Silence is not silent; it contains communication

Explanation: The text stresses that “Silence is not silent.” Silence is alive with nonverbal communication such as facial expressions, body posture, and small gestures, which can reveal much about a child’s inner state.

According to the “Rule of Thumb” from the reading, what is the correct view of silence in play therapy?

A. Silence means the child is not communicating
B. Silence is meaningless unless accompanied by gestures
C. Silence is not silent; it contains communication
D. Silence should be avoided in sessions

Key Answer: B. Respect the block and allow the child to change activities

Explanation: Emotional blocks occur when a child is not ready to proceed into a particular emotional territory. In child-centered play therapy, these moments must be respected, allowing the child to redirect the play until they are ready to revisit the issue.

When a young child experiences an emotional block during play therapy, the therapist should:

A. Push the child to continue the story
B. Respect the block and allow the child to change activities
C. Immediately interpret the block for the child
D. Use direct questioning to explore the blocked material

Key Answer: B. She hugged Bobo and then engaged with the dollhouse

Explanation: After each emotional block, Bria sought emotional comfort by hugging Bobo (a stuffed toy) and then moved to the dollhouse, showing her natural coping and self-regulation process.

In the Bria case, what consistent behavior followed each emotional block?

A. She became silent and avoided the therapist
B. She hugged Bobo and then engaged with the dollhouse
C. She left the playroom temporarily
D. She refused to continue playing for the rest of the session

Key Answer: B. Reflecting anxiety could magnify it for Bria

Explanation: Reflecting anxiety early in the relationship could have heightened Bria’s discomfort. Dr. L. focused on tracking Bria’s observable actions instead, which helped reduce tension and build trust.

Why did Dr. L. avoid directly reflecting Bria’s anxiety during the first session?

A. She was unsure of Bria’s emotional state
B. Reflecting anxiety could magnify it for Bria
C. Bria had already labeled her own emotions
D. Silence was more therapeutic than speaking

Key Answer: B. Every action in play therapy has potential meaning, even if it appears minor

Explanation: The reading emphasizes that even small actions, such as a child opening a door or touching a toy, can have deep significance in the therapeutic process and should be noticed.

The “seemingly insignificant happenings” concept suggests:

A. Only big emotional breakthroughs matter in therapy
B. Every action in play therapy has potential meaning, even if it appears minor
C. Therapists should focus only on verbal content
D. Small events should be ignored to avoid over-analysis

Key Answer: C. The child is signaling to the therapist to give instructions

Explanation: While a child may wait for direction if they are used to structured environments like school, silence itself is not necessarily a deliberate signal for instructions; rather, it can stem from confusion, insecurity, or many other listed reasons.

Which of the following is NOT a possible meaning of a child’s silence in play therapy, according to the reading?

A. The child is thoughtfully planning what to do next
B. The child is feeling insecure or unsafe
C. The child is signaling to the therapist to give instructions
D. The child is rejecting the therapist and/or the experience

Key Answer: B. A tool that can communicate acceptance, respect, or “being with” the child

Explanation: While therapist silence might occasionally arise from uncertainty, in child-centered play therapy it is primarily a purposeful tool to convey presence, respect for privacy, and acceptance when words may be inadequate.

Therapist silence can best be described as:

A. Always a sign of therapeutic confidence
B. A tool that can communicate acceptance, respect, or “being with” the child
C. A way to avoid engaging with difficult emotions
D. An indication that the therapist does not know what to say

Key Answer: A. They may be overwhelmed by having to make choices

Explanation: Some children feel anxious when structure is absent because they are accustomed to being told what to do, such as in a school setting. Too much freedom too soon can feel overwhelming.

Why might a child in play therapy feel anxious when given complete freedom to choose activities?

A. They may be overwhelmed by having to make choices
B. They expect the therapist to evaluate their play
C. They dislike all available toys
D. They are trying to test the therapist’s patience

Key Answer: B. “Always respect a child’s emotional blocks.”

Explanation: The text advises that young children lack mature defense mechanisms, so therapists must respect emotional blocks and trust the child to approach difficult material when ready.

Which principle from the reading reflects the idea that the therapist should not force exploration of scary topics?

A. “Silence is not silent.”
B. “Always respect a child’s emotional blocks.”
C. “Track, don’t interpret.”
D. “Provide unconditional positive regard.”

Key Answer: B. Giving the child full control over the play process, within safe boundaries

Explanation: Child-centered play therapy emphasizes giving the child control over the play and trusting the process, while the therapist maintains a safe environment and tracks the child’s behavior without leading.

Which of these is most consistent with the therapist’s stance in child-centered play therapy?

A. Asking clarifying questions to uncover the child’s trauma
B. Giving the child full control over the play process, within safe boundaries
C. Offering advice and moral lessons during play
D. Redirecting the child’s play to more “productive” themes

Key Answer: B. Potentially nonfacilitative

Explanation: Silence caused by the therapist’s distraction or preoccupation is nonfacilitative because it shifts attention away from the child’s needs and presence in the moment.

If a therapist is preoccupied with their own personal experiences during a session, their silence might be:

A. Therapeutically supportive
B. Potentially nonfacilitative
C. Always a mark of growth
D. An effective way to build rapport

Key Answer: B. Engaging in nonverbal empathy

Explanation: Accepting a child’s silence without pressure is a form of nonverbal empathy, showing the child that the therapist values their pace and privacy.

When a therapist communicates understanding and acceptance during a child’s silence, they are:

A. Forcing the child to verbalize feelings
B. Engaging in nonverbal empathy
C. Attempting to shorten the session time
D. Providing a direct interpretation of the child’s emotions

Key Answer: B. The child is using the toy for emotional comfort and self-regulation

Explanation: In the Bria example, hugging Bobo after emotional blocks served as a comfort ritual, allowing her to regain emotional stability before re-engaging with play.

A child-centered therapist notices a child repeatedly hugging a stuffed toy after moments of hesitation in play. What is the best interpretation?

A. The child is engaging in avoidant behavior
B. The child is using the toy for emotional comfort and self-regulation
C. The child is wasting therapy time
D. The child is being manipulative to get the therapist’s attention

Key Answer: C. Respect the emotional block and allow Bria to move on when ready

Explanation: The reading stresses respecting children’s emotional blocks, trusting they will revisit difficult material when ready, rather than pushing for immediate explanation.

In the first Bria episode, she abruptly turned from the chalkboard and tossed the chalk into the tray. What does the reading suggest a therapist should do in response to this type of “emotional block”?

A. Ask Bria directly why she stopped
B. Redirect Bria to another drawing activity
C. Respect the emotional block and allow Bria to move on when ready
D. Interpret her behavior immediately for therapeutic insight

Key Answer: B. A self-comfort ritual allowing emotional regulation

Explanation: The reading notes this was an “emotional comfort sequence” Bria used to regain stability before resuming play.

After each emotional block, Bria hugged Bobo and then returned to the dollhouse. This sequence is best described as:

A. Avoidance behavior
B. A self-comfort ritual allowing emotional regulation
C. A therapist-led calming technique
D. A sign of boredom with the current activity

Key Answer: C. Confused

Explanation: Her unusual, illogical statement may indicate confusion — a child’s way of working through ideas that don’t make clear sense yet, possibly linked to emotional themes she’s not ready to directly express.
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Key Takeaway

• Play Therapy FOCUS = Emotional states (Frightened, Overwhelmed, etc.).

• General Counseling FOCUS = Statement analysis (Feelings, Observations, etc.).

In the second Bria episode, she said a man would go to work without clothes because “the work doesn’t want him.” Given the FOCUS acronym for possible feelings of a silent child, which feeling might this statement most likely hint toward?

A. Frightened
B. Overwhelmed
C. Confused
D. Unsafe / threatened

Key Answer: B. Overwhelmed

Explanation: The sudden withdrawal from her activity suggests she may have been emotionally overwhelmed by what she was expressing or recalling, leading her to stop abruptly.

Bria’s First Emotional Block
In the first Bria episode, she suddenly stopped drawing at the chalkboard and turned away. Using the FOCUS acronym, which feeling is most likely being expressed?

A. Frightened
B. Overwhelmed
C. Confused
D. Sad/angry

Key Answer: A. Frightened

Explanation: Hugging a comfort object (Bobo) and engaging in a familiar play pattern can help a child feel safer and reduce fear after a moment of emotional discomfort.

Comfort Sequence
After each emotional block, Bria hugged Bobo and then bent down to play with the dollhouse. Which FOCUS feeling does this comfort sequence most directly help regulate?

A. Frightened
B. Confused
C. Unsafe/threatened
D. Sad/angry

Key Answer: C. Confused

Explanation: The logic in her statement is inconsistent, suggesting she’s processing complex thoughts or emotions that are not yet fully organized, a hallmark of confusion.

Bria’s “Work Doesn’t Want Him” Statement
In the second Bria episode, she said a man would go to work without clothes because “the work doesn’t want him.” Based on the FOCUS acronym, this statement most likely reflects:

A. Frightened
B. Overwhelmed
C. Confused
D. Unsafe/threatened

Key Answer: D. Frightened

Explanation: His social withdrawal and avoidance suggest he may have been experiencing fear or anxiety in that environment.

Dibs and the Teacher
When Dibs was silent in class, avoided eye contact, and kept to himself, which FOCUS feeling might he have been experiencing?

A. Unsafe/threatened
B. Overwhelmed
C. Sad/angry
D. Frightened

Key Answer: C. Unsafe/threatened

Explanation: Respecting silence and not pressuring the child helps create a safe atmosphere where the child feels secure enough to eventually share at her own pace.

Therapist Silence with Bria
When the therapist allowed Bria to remain silent and did not push for answers, this was most likely done to help address which FOCUS feeling?

A. Frightened
B. Confused
C. Unsafe/threatened
D. Overwhelmed

Key Answer: B — Overwhelmed

Explanation: The abrupt halt suggests she was emotionally overloaded by the experience or memory tied to her activity.

ria’s First Emotional Block
Bria suddenly stopped drawing at the chalkboard, turned away quickly, and tossed the chalk into the tray. Which letter of the FOCUS acronym best fits this reaction?

A. F — Frightened
B. O — Overwhelmed
C. C — Confused
D. S — Sad/angry

Key Answer: F — Frightened

Explanation: Hugging a comfort object often helps reduce fear and restore emotional security.

Bria’s Comfort Sequence
After each emotional block, Bria hugged Bobo and then bent down to play with the dollhouse. Which FOCUS letter best fits the feeling this behavior might help soothe?

A. F — Frightened
B. U — Unsafe/threatened
C. C — Confused
D. S — Sad/angry

Key Answer: C — Confused

Explanation: The reasoning is disorganized, indicating she’s processing complex, unclear ideas or emotions.

Bria’s “Work Doesn’t Want Him” Statement
In the second episode, Bria said a man would go to work without clothes because “the work doesn’t want him.” Which FOCUS letter is most relevant?

A. O — Overwhelmed
B. C — Confused
C. S — Sad/angry
D. F — Frightened

Key Answer: F — Frightened

Explanation: His behavior suggests fear or anxiety in that setting.

Dibs in the Classroom
When Dibs avoided eye contact, kept silent, and stayed apart from classmates, which FOCUS letter is most relevant?

A. U — Unsafe/threatened
B. S — Sad/angry
C. O — Overwhelmed
D. F — Frightened

Key Answer: U — Unsafe/threatened

Explanation: Respecting silence helps the child feel safe and secure enough to express themselves later.

Therapist Respecting Silence
When the therapist allowed Bria to remain silent without pressure, this helped address which FOCUS feeling?

A. F — Frightened
B. O — Overwhelmed
C. U — Unsafe/threatened
D. C — Confused

FOCUS in General Counseling/Therapy

Used to categorize and analyze statements (often in active listening or reflection):

• Feelings – The emotions beneath the statement.

• Observations – The visible behavior or factual events.

• Content – The literal words spoken.

• Understanding – The therapist’s interpretation of meaning.

• Strategies (or Summary) – Next steps or paraphrasing.

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Example Use:
A client says, "My boss ignores me."

• Feelings: "You sound hurt."

• Observations: "You mentioned your boss walks past your desk."

• Content: "You said, ‘My boss ignores me.’"

• Understanding: "It seems you feel undervalued."

• Strategies: "How would you like to address this?"

1. FOCUS in Play Therapy (Child Counseling)

Used to identify key emotions behind a child's silence or withdrawal:

• Frightened

• Overwhelmed

• Confused

• Unsafe (or Under threat)

• Sad / Secretive / Shameful (sometimes Silent or Angry)

Example Use:
A therapist observes a child refusing to speak. Using FOCUS, they consider: Is the child frightened? Overwhelmed? Feeling unsafe?
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Key Difference:

• Play Therapy FOCUS: About hidden emotions (why a child is silent).

• Counseling FOCUS: A communication tool to dissect statements.