APPLICATION OF THE Toy METAPHOR IN ExISTENTIAL THERAPy: A CASE STUDy OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AND POST TRAUMATIC ANxIETy

Abstract

This case study presents a new therapeutic tool that uses the toy metaphor in an existential orientation supported by phenomenological method. The existential dimension of clients’ problems within their life context explains the appearance of symptoms as part of a complex psychological response with multiple connections. The therapy assists in locating points where conflict has settled and its symbolic translation into a toy metaphor. The relationship between the symbol and reality reorients the change, taking its strength from a collaborative discourse between client and therapist. This therapeutic technique is presented here in a case of intimate partner violence in which a young university student was suffering from the traumatic effects of a relationship in which she was abused by her partner. The results of pre-post measures and a two-month follow-up showed that the therapy diminished anxiety symptoms, somatizations and indicators of post traumatic stress.