12. Understanding and Reflecting on Projections in Therapy with Children

Connection Therapy

Children often project their feelings, both positive and negative, onto others as a way to express emotions they cannot fully articulate. These projections are a normal part of development and can provide valuable insights into a child's inner world.

In today’s exploration episode, Brenda shares her findings from her research project on how the children in her study made both positive and negative projections. Understanding these projections can greatly enhance therapeutic practices. Through her study, Brenda has learned to use projections reflectively, which has significantly informed how she now practices therapy.

Brenda shares concrete examples from sessions with a child she calls “Nadine.” Over several sessions, Brenda observed how projections played out. In Session 3, Nadine said, "Please don't leave me, Maddie." This was a significant projection of her fear of abandonment. Later, Nadine expressed, "I think she is sad because she is going to leave me." This projection was her way of processing her feelings about goodbyes, transferring her emotions onto another.

Reflecting back on these projections is crucial. By narrating what happened in the moment, therapists can help clients understand and moderate their emotions. Understanding and working with projections is an ongoing learning process. Through her research and practical application, Brenda saw how valuable it is to recognize and reflect on these projections in therapy.

This approach not only helps clients understand their emotions but also fosters a supportive environment where they can grow and thrive. By integrating these reflective practices, therapists can help clients navigate their emotions more effectively, ultimately leading to better therapeutic outcomes.

Connect with Brenda: https://connection-therapy.com/podcast

References Mentioned in this Episode:

Nancy McWilliams. (2020). Psychoanalytic Diagnosis: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Process.

Brenda Murrow, (2013) A Quantitative exploration into the effects of the human and animal connection. (Doctoral dissertation). Pacifica Graduate Institute.