Jake was an 8-year-old boy when he was referred to KidsAid by his mother, who had grown increasingly concerned about the changes in his behaviour. Since the separation of his parents several months earlier, Jake was experiencing anger outbursts, had difficulty concentrating at school, and had begun struggling with feelings of anxiety.
The separation had been a particularly difficult transition for Jake, who had not fully understood the reasons for it. He had expressed feeling torn between his parents, and he often voiced concerns about the future and whether things would ever go back to normal.
After the referral, Jake was assessed, and play therapy was recommended as a way to help him process his feelings of confusion, sadness, and fear. The aim of therapy was to create a safe space where Jake could explore his emotions, express his feelings of loss and anger, and begin to develop strategies to manage the changes in his life.
Jake attended his first therapy session and upon entering the room appeared anxious, fidgeting with his hands and avoiding eye contact. But as the weeks passed and he grew in confidence, themes of anger, sadness, and confusion began to emerge in Jake’s play. He was drawn to the toy figurines and action figures, often creating scenarios that involved conflict or separation.
Over time, the theme of family separation became more prominent in Jake’s play. He created a story involving a character who was caught between two worlds, unsure of where he belonged. This character’s experiences mirrored Jake’s own feelings of being torn between his mother and father. Through this process, Jake was able to confront his emotions in a safe and non-threatening way.
With the support of his therapist, Jake gradually found the words to express his confusion and sadness about the separation. The therapist used age-appropriate language and gentle guidance to help Jake verbalise his feelings of anger and fear, offering reassurance and validation throughout. Together, they explored ways Jake could manage the anxiety he felt, particularly about the uncertainty of his parents’ relationship and his new living situation.
As part of the therapeutic work, Jake and his therapist developed a coping toolkit that included relaxation techniques, journaling, and creating a “two-home” book. This book allowed Jake to document special moments with both parents, helping him to see that his relationship with each parent could remain strong, even in two separate homes.
A key indicator of Jake’s progress was a noticeable reduction in his anger outbursts and anxiety. As he worked through his feelings of confusion and loss, Jake became more engaged in school and began to show a greater sense of emotional stability. He also reported feeling more comfortable navigating his time between both parents, no longer feeling as torn or uncertain about his place in both homes.
Through the process of play therapy, Jake developed better emotional resilience and the ability to cope with the changes in his life, fostering a sense of security and hope for the future.
