Play, fantasy, and symbols: drama with emotionally disturbed children

This paper discusses the developmental continuum of play and its relationship to drama. The functions of drama therapy as a form of child psychotherapy are illustrated through case material, focusing on wish fulfillment, psychic integration, reenactment of past traumatic experiences, transformation from passivity to activity, separation of fantasy and reality, fusion with the idealized or hated parent, defense and mastery. The value of drama therapy is not only in the abreaction it provides, but in the chance to articulate the fantasies through play, experience the working through of the conflicts, and connect the past to the present.