Assignment Task: List up to three hypotheses based on the facts in Handout.
CASE:
In his first visit to the office, Darnell holds tightly on to his mother's hand. The therapist assures him that his mother will stay with them if Darnell wants her to stay. The therapist explains to Darnell that she sees a lot of boys and girls his age in the office, and that he is welcome to play with the toys she has there. Darnell is initially very quiet. He seems tentative about exploring the toys in the office and takes every toy he picks up to his mother.
When Michelle suggests he show the toys to the therapist too, Darnell turns and holds out a stuffed animal in his hand for the therapist to see, but does not approach her. He then turns his back on the therapist and sits down to play with a car and a male doll figure. After a few minutes, the therapist invites him to do some drawing with her. Darnell continues to make regular eye contact with his mother, but gradually becomes engaged with the therapist in drawing with magic markers. The therapist comments on how well he draws, and Darnell smiles. Michelle becomes visibly calmer as Darnell becomes more comfortable.
After a few minutes, Darnell seems more relaxed and begins to talk with the therapist as they draw. Darnell draws pictures and tells the therapist about what his mother makes for breakfast before he goes to school. As he talks about his week, he mentions his sister, Miss Lewis (his teacher), and some of his friends, but not Rashon (Michelle's boyfriend). At one point, he looks a little anxious and says, "I want my Mom," and gets up and hugs her. After a minute or two, Darnell says, "OK, let's play some more," and comes back to the therapist and resumes drawing.
After about 30 minutes, the therapist introduces the topic of Rashon as they talk and draw. Darnell becomes more agitated and less purposeful in his play. He scribbles with his markers. He then takes two male figures, an adult and a child, and begins to have the child hit the adult. When the therapist asks what is happening with the dolls, Darnell says, "The boy is mad." Darnell does not respond to any further questions about his play, explain why the boy is angry, or clarify whether the boy is angry with the man. Instead, Darnell continues to play, half turned away from the therapist.