The use of fairy tales in therapy with children

M.A. (Clinical Psychology)The present study explores, through means of a selective literature study and the presentation of a descriptive single case study, whether fairy tales can be used as a viable medium or tool in therapeutic work with children. This involves an examination of a central debate between theoretical perspectives that advocate an understanding of fairy tales based on their intrinsic or absolute meaning or those that view fairy tales from a relational perspective where meaning is consensually negotiated and validated through its interpersonal locatedness. A single descriptive case study, in which fairy tale telling was a feature of a therapeutic case conducted with a five-year-old client at a children's home, is presented and evaluated in light of the literature reviewed. It was found that themes similar to those reflected in the review of the literature were present and evidenced by the therapist involved wi th the clinical case study. These themes are conceptualised using a constructivist framework that offers an integrative conceptualisation accommodating both intrapsychic as well as inter-personal theoretical distinctions