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Play Therapy
Presented by
Cory Melissa Boyer, M.S.W., R.S.W.
July 14, 2004
Definition
• In her book, Play Therapy (ballantine, 1969), Virginia Axline, a leading expert in play therapy, explains: “Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self expression. It is an opportunity for the child to ‘play out’ his/her feelings and problems just as adults talk out their difficulties.”
Definition cont’d
• Play Therapy involves using play materials as part of a therapeutic process designed to meet the emotional, social, psychological, and developmental needs of clients.
• Children are invited to play, however, it must be remembered that play on its own will not produce change – how the therapist uses the play is the key.
Parameters of Play Therapy
What tools are available Using play in a deliberate manner to provide a therapeutic experience
What is the underlying theoretical framework
Creating a distinct therapeutic relationship
Tools Available
Using interesting toys.
Having a choice of materials.
Are the toys durable?
Do toys allow for creative expression?
Do the toys encourage emotional expression
Can the child explore real life situations?
Is there opportunity for success?
Remove isolating toys.
Using Play in a Deliberate Manner to Provide a Therapeutic
Experience
• Play comes naturally to most children
• Helps develop a relationship with child
• Takes the inner world and makes it concrete
• Allows for control/manipulate objects
• Assists with child’s overall development
The Underlying Theoretical Framework
• A wide range of theoretical models are used by play therapists.
• Psychoanalytic, Release, Structured, Relational, Behavioural, Gestalt, Jungian, Filial, Theraplay, Developmental, etc.
• The framework is a guide by which the therapist organizes her thinking
Creating a Distinct Therapeutic Relationship
• The play therapy relationship is like no other
• The relationship is central to the healing power of therapy
• Ensures a place of safety, predictability, consistency, and respect
Types of Play
• Directive Play • Non-Directive Play
Play Therapy Methods
Sand Tray Puppets Therapeutic Story Telling
Art therapy Toys/Games Theraplay
Sand Tray
• Respectful for child
• Eloquent communication
• Non-verbal
• Tactile
• Use of metaphor
Case Study 1
• Sand Box
Puppets
• Skills needed
• Triangulation
Therapeutic Story Telling
• Helps create metaphors
• Works at both a conscious and unconscious level
• Story is not a prescription
Art Therapy
• Designed to utilize the non-verbal communication produced with art materials
Case Study 2
• Simon• Cartooning
Toys, Games, and Crafts
• Dress-up and makeup
• Doll House and Family Figures
• Kitchen Set
Case Study 3
• Beth• Paper Dolls
Theraplay Case Study 4
Nurturing Activities Intrusion/Engagement Activities
Structuring Activities Challenging Activities
Developing Play
A Good Play Therapist Play Room Rules
Stages of Play Forms of Play
A Note about Transference and Counter Transference