Abstract

This qualitative research study views the therapeutic use of story-making with a six-year-old girl diagnosed with selective mutism. The information gathered is presented as a descriptive case study and the therapeutic process is viewed through Renee Emunah's Integrative Five Phase Model. Mooli Lahad's Six-Piece Story-Making technique informed the story-making process, which was used in combination with other projective and psychodramatic techniques. Since verbal and emotional communication is usually the goal for children diagnosed with selective mutism, the primary research question investigated is: How does communication between a child with selective mutism and a therapist develop through story-making in a drama therapy setting? The study follows the detailed change in communication between the child and me as we move through several communication milestones prior to and during story-making.