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 availableUsing 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 PlayNon-Directive Play

Play Therapy Methods Sand TrayPuppetsTherapeutic Story Telling Art therapyToys/GamesTheraplay

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 ActivitiesIntrusion/Engagement Activities Structuring ActivitiesChallenging Activities

Developing Play A Good Play TherapistPlay Room Rules Stages of PlayForms of Play

A Note about Transference and Counter Transference