Case study in dialysis: the child who built castles

Abstract

Patito is a three and a half year old child who attends to the dialysis unit. Through his case we can analyze and reflect on the particular characteristics of these units, and observe the emotional process that the child undergoes in the different art therapy sessions. With this we consider not only the psychosocial consequences of the hospital context in a general way, but specifically in the pediatric dialysis units. Patito gives us the opportunity to analyze some of the complications that can arise and how its affect the art therapy process, reflecting in this way some effects that dialysis has on patients. We reflect on the type of sessions that can impart or undertaken on art therapy and how in the dialysis’space coexist group and individual sessions at the same time, so we point out those elements that should be taken into account in these contexts. With this paper we contribute to the knowledge of how art therapists can intervene in the pediatric dialysis unit in the most appropriate way.