Play Therapy

1
Play Therapy

• Presented by
• Cory Melissa Boyer, M.S.W., R.S.W.
• July 14, 2004

2
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 childs 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.

3
Definition contd

• 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.

4
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
5
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.
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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 childs overall development

7
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

8
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

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Types of Play

• Directive Play

• Non-Directive Play

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Play Therapy Methods
Sand Tray Puppets Therapeutic Story Telling
Art therapy Toys/Games Theraplay
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Sand Tray

• Respectful for child
• Eloquent communication
• Non-verbal
• Tactile
• Use of metaphor

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Case Study 1

• Sand Box

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Puppets

• Skills needed
• Triangulation

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Therapeutic Story Telling

• Helps create metaphors
• Works at both a conscious and unconscious level
• Story is not a prescription

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Art Therapy

• Designed to utilize the non-verbal communication
  produced with art materials

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Case Study 2

• Simon
• Cartooning

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Toys, Games, and Crafts

• Dress-up and makeup
• Doll House and Family Figures
• Kitchen Set

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Case Study 3

• Beth
• Paper Dolls

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Theraplay Case Study 4
Nurturing Activities Intrusion/Engagement Activities
Structuring Activities Challenging Activities
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Developing Play
A Good Play Therapist Play Room Rules
Stages of Play Forms of Play
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A Note about Transference and Counter Transference