A Tale of Two Therapies

This article by Roger Keizerstein, compares the treatment of two children, Saul in the 1980s and Rebecca in 2018, who both presented with anxiety-related issues. Saul, a seven-year-old boy, experienced night terrors likely triggered by exposure to adult content, which was effectively resolved through non-directive play therapy. In contrast, Rebecca, a nine-year-old girl from the more digitally oriented generation, exhibited separation anxiety and hypersensitivity. Her treatment involved cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing situations. The article highlights the impact of cultural changes on children’s internal lives and the necessity of adapting therapeutic approaches over time.

  • Understand the differences in therapeutic approaches used for children in the 1980s versus those used in the 2000s and beyond.

  • Identify the signs and symptoms of night terrors in children and differentiate them from nightmares.

  • Recognize the role of cultural and technological changes in influencing children's psychological and emotional development.

  • Explore the application of non-directive play therapy in treating childhood anxiety and trauma.

  • Learn about cognitive-behavioral strategies, including relaxation techniques and exposure therapy, for managing separation anxiety in children.

  • Analyze the importance of adapting therapeutic methods to fit the unique needs and circumstances of each child.

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