“Quita Penas”, Projection, meaning, and connection

By Margaret Whitehair

I first learned of worry dolls when I was a little girl. My mom brought some back from Ecuador from one of her trips. They were so small and cute. Then, one time in supervision, my supervisor introduced the activity as part of one of our group sessions. I did not think much of it to start, but as my little characters began to emerge I felt a deep connection to these little creatures that would magically “ take my worries away”.  Projection into objects and symbols is  a powerful tool for feelings of safety or change or hope.