Play Therapy and Micucci's Symptomatic Cycle

Question 1

Purpose of Play Therapy…

Answer 1

…allow processing through play
…not inherently systemic, so we bring that lens
…relationship is part of the play/therapy process

Question 2

Micucci’s Symptomatic Cycle

Answer 2

Symptom–Family Focus on Symptom–Adolescent Labeled “Problem”–Adolescent Feels Isolated–Relationship Suffers/Neglected

Major Premise - pattern is the problem

“Therapist works to replace automatic reactive responses between people with more thoughtful and planned responses” - Micucci

Question 3

Consequences to Symptomatic Cycle

Answer 3

1. Rigidity (only seeing one side of problem)
2. Mutually Reinforcing Narratives (many assumptions)
3. Conflict Avoidance (symptom carrier - withdrawing)

Question 4

Common Patterns to Symptomatic Cycle

Answer 4

1. Disengagement/Abandonment
2. Escalation
3. Constriction

Question 5

General Principles for Guiding Intervention

Answer 5

1. Have a plan and stay focused
2. Focus on changing relationships/cycle
3. Invite collaboration
4. Refer back to pattern
5. Offer encouragement and accentuate the positive
6. Promote moments of engagement
7. Treat the cycle
   a. alliance bonding (joining, honor others)
   b. identify problem cycles
   c. change the pattern (interventions)
   1. direct teaching/communication
   2. working with emotions
   3. uncovering assumptions
   4. externalize the problem
   5. unbalancing/assigning tasks