Posttraumatic Play With Sexually Abused Children

Posttraumatic play refers to children’s ability to “play out” traumatic events and their associated memories. It offers a treatment approach for victims of CSA that is developmentally sensitive while providing gradual exposure, counterconditioning of fears, and mastery. This chapter presents an overview of posttraumatic play, its applicability for the treatment of CSA, and a case example illustrating how posttraumatic play can be utilized. In the context of an attuned therapeutic relationship, posttraumatic play as a natural, reparative mechanism for victims will be discussed. The importance of clinicians avoiding predetermined protocols and agendas will be explored. Limitations of posttraumatic play and key considerations for practice will be provided.