The use of two houses in play therapy.

The use of two miniature house structures equipped with dolls is proposed in play therapy with children who have been traumatized by physical loss, emotional withdrawal, or rejection of family members. The case of a child who worked through unresolved conflicts resulting from separation and placement is described. Feelings of rejection, anger, fear, and guilt were reexperienced in the "old" house, while the second house provided a more positive alternative. Implications of the approach for children who have experienced other types of family crisis are discussed.