Psychotherapy of Children With Conduct Disorders Using Games and Stories

Children with conduct disorders are often incapable of understanding their own behavior, making this therapy very difficult. By using games and stories, this work allows young clients to self-disclose through metaphoric stories and within the boundaries of game play.

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In ""Psychotherapy of Children With Conduct Disorders Using Games and Stories"", Dr. Richard A. Gardner demonstrates his approach to working with children who present with this common disorder. Children with conduct disorders are often incapable of understanding their own behavior, making this therapy very difficult. By using games and stories, Dr. Gardner allows young clients to self-disclose through metaphoric stories and within the boundaries of game play. In this session, Dr. Gardner works with a 12-year-old girl named Ruth who refuses to interact with him. His repeated invitations to her to play a therapeutic board game called ""The Talking, Feeling, and Doing Game"" result in her increased willingness to disclose her feelings. This video features a client portrayed by an actor on the basis of actual case material.