Young traumatized children will often have nightmares with a recurrent monster that the child can draw and characterize in the safety of a parent's presence. The play therapist can then invite the child to make friends with his or her monster by creating a play dough monster or monster puppet with the parents' participation. Along with the therapist, parents and child can create a story that decreases the monster's ability to harm, while adding the element of fun and humor. The child and parents can then begin a therapeutic ritual where the child is given permission to spray the scariest places in the home. The wand can be constructed in the play room and the therapist can help the family create specific magic words and messages that will decrease specific fears.
Young children operate from a position of omnipotence wherein fantasy is reality.