Externalizing Parts
Abstract
This chapter teaches the reader how children use art materials, Lego, and Body Maps of parts to externalize their inner worlds. Hailey builds a beautiful doghouse for two little dogs that symbolize parts of her. She is ultimately able to let go of pain that she has been carrying for four years. Rain is a preschooler with toileting issues who uses clay and dolls to work through his ambivalence about using the potty. He also uses Lego to externalize his perfectionistic inner world. This chapter also illustrates the work with parents and children together and the conjoint parent counseling that helps parents understand their children’s parts.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Child Therapy and Development
Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
Art Therapy and Mental Health
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 69–79
- Publication date
- 14 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter