Product Description

This is the story of a little boy named Dibs. He would not talk. He would not play. Judged mentally defective, he was oblivious both to other children and to his teacher; in reality he was a brilliant, lonely child trapped in a prison of fear and rage, a prison from which only he could release himself. And, through psychotherapy and love, he did.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3242 in Books
• Published on: 1990-05-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Synopsis
This is the story of a little boy named Dibs. He would not talk. He would not play. Judged mentally defective, he was oblivious both to other children and to his teacher; in reality he was a brilliant, lonely child trapped in a prison of fear and rage, a prison from which only he could release himself. And, through psychotherapy and love, he did.

About the Author
Virginia Axline (1911-1988) was a pioneer of play therapy for children.

Customer Reviews

A heart-warming, inspirational and easy read.
My first impressions of the book had me thinking that I was about to start reading a book that was going to be perhaps a bore. The type of book you read when you have little else to do and know that reading it would get it off the 'to-do' list. I'm glad I was wrong about 'Dibs'.

After reading the first few pages I knew that is was going to be one of 'those books'. The type of book that turns out to be an absolute gem when you originally thought it was going to be rubbish: a book that delivers so many things on so many levels and yet does it in a subtle, touching way. Like another reviewer put, I believe that 'Dibs' will certainly stay with me for many years to come because of the power that the tale, in itself, has. There are so many things about it that make it so wonderful -- so read it already!

Informative Read
This book is an excellent example of a case study, of child psychotherapy, that is both interesting and informative about the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. It illustrates that, with compassion and understanding of the limits of the therapeutic environment, lives can be healed through pyschotherapy. I have re-read this book several times throughout my training and, later, as a practicing counsellor and it always brings me back to fundamental principals of practice with both adults and children.

Dibs
Excellent book which I could hardly put down and have shared it with many friends. Recommended for anyone working with pre-school or infant children, as all children are individuals and some come to nursery/school with social and behavioural problems which they eventually come through with lots of good play experiences and careful handling. Very interesting to see how this very disturbed little boy begins to understand life around him and how he gradually learns how to express himself.