That place where we live: the discovery of self through the creative play experience.
OBJECTIVE
The origin and meaning of play in relation to D.W. Winnicott's (1971) conceptualization of the intermediate area of experience and transitional object, and transitional phenomena formation.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate how the nurse therapist can enhance the child's discovery of self and healthy development through creativity and play.


METHODS
Clinical experiences with children in a school-based mental health program and literature support.


CONCLUSIONS
By providing "good enough" mothering and a holding environment to enhance the development of a creative play experience, the nurse allows the child to find meaning through self-expression and, ultimately, health.
Galligan
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AC
Boston Children's Services, MA, USA. cosbear@aol.com
D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002665:Child Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D003405:Creativity; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D005201:Fantasy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008273:Magic / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010989:Play Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000523:psychology*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D002666:Psychology, Child; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012649:Self Concept