In Virginia M. Axline’s Dibs in Search of Self, an actual case where play therapy was not only used, but was extremely successful as well, is showcased. The child partaking in the play therapy, Dibs, was originally dismissed as being mentally retarded by his parents because he did not talk or show any other signs of age appropriate intelligence at school or home. The teachers at school knew better than to dismiss him as being mentally challenged because he had shown signs of aptitude and social ability sporadically. At most, Dibs could have been assumed to be autistic, but was most likely figured to be emotionally disturbed due to his mother.
Dibs’ relationship with his mother was non-existent while his attitude toward his father was one of anger and hatred. Dibs was often locked in his playroom by his parents because they did not want to deal with him. With these domestic conditions, Dibs never had an opportunity to express his emotions and display his profound intellect, let alone be praised for it and made to feel comfortable being himself. Luckily, the school stepped in and was able to bring Dr. Axline in to the equation by threatening his parents with the possibility of him being kicked out of the school that his mother worked so hard to keep him enrolled.
Dr. Virginia M. Axline took on Dibs as her patient because she decided that
…show more content…
Axline in the school’s playroom, Axline’s eight principles of play therapy are incorporated. Dibs was in total control of the activities he participated in and what was discussed in the therapy sessions. The sixth principle of play therapy, as determined by Axline, is being the child’s shadow and allowing them to interact with what and whom they want. By giving the child the power to make decisions for themselves, the therapist can observe what catches and holds the child’s attention which gives the therapist insight as to what the patient might be feeling or