Journey to Self-Nurturing – A Case Study on Treating a Depressed Adolescent Client Using Gestalt Play Therapy

Adolescent mental health challenges have intensified in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the application of Gestalt play therapy as an intervention for adolescents struggling with depression and anxiety in Singapore. Through an in-depth single case study of a 15-year-old female client, the therapeutic journey is examined in three stages: (1) building relationships and working through resistance, (2) fostering awareness and exploration, and (3) developing self-nurturing capacities. This study highlights how Gestalt play therapy creates a safe and playful environment for adolescents to explore difficult emotions and experiences, leading to increased self-awareness, improved coping skills, and a strengthened sense of self. While acknowledging the limitations of single case studies, this article contributes to the growing body of practice for adolescent mental health interventions in Singapore through descriptions of the therapeutic process and interventions to enhance the study’s utility for other practitioners. Selected vignettes demonstrate the use of clay work and art therapy techniques to facilitate contact, deepen awareness, and reorganise negative introjects within the Gestalt framework.