Healing the Hidden Self: A Play Therapy Case Study of an Adopted Child

A BSTRACT This case study presents the therapeutic process and outcomes of an 8-year-old female client exhibiting emotional dysregulation, oppositional behaviors, and possible gender dysphoria following adoption disclosure and parental separation. Using nondirective, client-centered play therapy, the intervention focused on emotional expression, relational repair, and identity consolidation. Over 25 sessions with the child and six with the mother, play therapy helped the client access inner conflicts, develop self-regulation, and restore a sense of security. This case highlights the therapeutic use of play as a medium for integrating fragmented emotional experiences and emphasizes the importance of parallel parental coaching and reflective supervision in facilitating recovery. At 1-year follow-up, significant improvements in emotional regulation, attachment security, and behavioral functioning were sustained.