Toys, or symbols?
After Tuesday's (19 Mar '14) ethics class... I think I sort of changed my perception towards the usage of toys, or rather "symbols" within Roger's counselling terms.
I've always associated toys with children, mostly. Something that they use to learn and have fun along the way through play or imagination. Until when I was introduced with play therapy back in undergrad years, new perceptions about toys were formed. Toys are language or communication tools children use to express themselves in various aspects; they are not just "toys" for children, but can help represent their thoughts if used in the right environment. Of course, the usage of toys may be therapeutic and beneficial for children in general; but it could also help adults in similar ideas.
I remember the first lab group I have attended a couple weeks ago, and I asked the lab tutor if we're allowed to use the toys. She immediately corrected me, by saying: "Now, these are not toys. They are symbols." Reason being, these "symbols" have various categories (e.g. house furniture, figurines, dark scary stuff, stones, etc.), and could represent anything a person links to his/ her experiences or life. For instance, a clock can be a symbol that means (1) a device that tells us the time; or (2) reminder of how time means to someone; or (3) a memorial piece that is significant in one's life. During the same lab group, I experienced how powerful these representative "symbols" could be within a therapeutic setting - because as I sort of randomly picked up pieces off the shelf and placed them in the given sand tray, I could not help but cry when I explain what these "symbols" really mean to me at that point of time. Also how externalizing what is within can offer a more indirect way to guide through a person.
Another example was when a lecturer brought a teddy bear into class yesterday, and demonstrated how externalizing client's story onto the bear, treating the bear like the client him/herself... was emotionally powerful. Just, wow. That could be one of the most useful techniques to help comfort the client, or empowering the client about the situation they're in.
Toys, are not just toys. They are tools that bring new hopes, dreams and opportunities to us if given the right technique and environment. They are symbols for children, and adults. =)
-Jas-
I've always associated toys with children, mostly. Something that they use to learn and have fun along the way through play or imagination. Until when I was introduced with play therapy back in undergrad years, new perceptions about toys were formed. Toys are language or communication tools children use to express themselves in various aspects; they are not just "toys" for children, but can help represent their thoughts if used in the right environment. Of course, the usage of toys may be therapeutic and beneficial for children in general; but it could also help adults in similar ideas.
I remember the first lab group I have attended a couple weeks ago, and I asked the lab tutor if we're allowed to use the toys. She immediately corrected me, by saying: "Now, these are not toys. They are symbols." Reason being, these "symbols" have various categories (e.g. house furniture, figurines, dark scary stuff, stones, etc.), and could represent anything a person links to his/ her experiences or life. For instance, a clock can be a symbol that means (1) a device that tells us the time; or (2) reminder of how time means to someone; or (3) a memorial piece that is significant in one's life. During the same lab group, I experienced how powerful these representative "symbols" could be within a therapeutic setting - because as I sort of randomly picked up pieces off the shelf and placed them in the given sand tray, I could not help but cry when I explain what these "symbols" really mean to me at that point of time. Also how externalizing what is within can offer a more indirect way to guide through a person.
Another example was when a lecturer brought a teddy bear into class yesterday, and demonstrated how externalizing client's story onto the bear, treating the bear like the client him/herself... was emotionally powerful. Just, wow. That could be one of the most useful techniques to help comfort the client, or empowering the client about the situation they're in.
Toys, are not just toys. They are tools that bring new hopes, dreams and opportunities to us if given the right technique and environment. They are symbols for children, and adults. =)
-Jas-
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