A Child’s Use of Transitional Objects in Art Therapy to Cope With Divorce

In this article, the author examines the use of transitional objects in a case study of a 12-year-old boy, documenting the role of art therapy in helping the boy cope with the trauma of his parents’ recent separation and divorce. Transitional objects emerged spontaneously as the boy integrated the transition that the divorce of his parents created; these objects were elaborated through various art materials and their use eventually de creased as the boy achieved a more secure sense of self. The case illustrates the therapeutic value of transitional objects and tran s itional space in therapy.