Because children often struggle to verbally express their emotions, play therapy is an essential tool in psychiatric care. Expressive arts therapy and structured play techniques allow children to process emotions in a way that feels natural and engaging. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, it is important to design developmentally appropriate psychotherapy interventions that help young clients communicate their thoughts and feelings.
Trauma & Dissociation
Marcus reports experiencing vivid nightmares related to a childhood trauma. He describes feeling disconnected from his body, stating that he sometimes feels like he is watching himself from the outside. He is hesitant to discuss his trauma history in psychotherapy.
Objectives
- Differentiate between trauma-focused psychotherapy models and their applications.
- Implement evidence-based techniques to manage dissociation and prevent retraumatization.
Task
- Record a 3-minute video role-play where you introduce a grounding technique such as the 5-4-3-2-1 method, guided breathing, or sensory focus.
- Demonstrate the technique as if guiding Marcus is in a psychotherapy session.
- Explain why this intervention is effective for dissociation and trauma.
- Post the video and write a short reflection (150 words) on the challenges in treating trauma survivors.