What is Play Therapy?

1
What is Play Therapy?
2
Definition of Play Therapy

• A method of psychotherapy with children that
  utilizes both play and verbal communication to
  understand and help the child.
• National Assoc. of Play Therapy

3
Why Play Therapy?

• .
• Appropriate therapy for children 12 years old and
  younger because child might not have the
  vocabulary to express feelings.
• Play is a natural process of self expression for
  a child.
• Child is encouraged to play out feelings,
  conflicts, and problems during play

4
Play therapy assumes that

• What is said and done by the child during play
  has meaning to the child.
• The therapist will attempt to decipher that
  meaning to see what effect it can or might have
  on the childs behavior.
• It is is an appropriate therapy especially for a
  child who has experienced abuse, neglect ,anger
  issues, separation issues and anxiety.

5
Process of Play Therapy

• Assessment
• Engagement
• Therapy
• Termination

6
Materials Used

• Drawings
• Clay/ Dough
• Specialized games
• Puppets/Dolls
• Blocks

7
What are the connections to EC Professionals?

• Understand and provide similar risk free
  environments where similar processes can occur.
  Be a good observer.
• Advocate for play therapy for those who would
  benefit from.
• Encourage parents to play with children
• Advocate for the benefits of play.
• Have a wide range of toys and materials for
  children to play with.

8
Qualifications of Play Therapists

• Masters degree in mental health or medical
  degree with course work in child development,
  theories of psychotherapy, child and adolescent
  psychopathology and legal and ethical issues
• 2 years of supervised clinical experience post
  masters
• National Assoc. of Play Therapy

9
Characteristics of the Therapist

• Able to establish a warm trusting relationship
  with child
• Accept child as she/he is.
• Sensitive to childs feelings and reflect them
  back.
• Understand the therapy is a slow process.
• Provide only as much guidance as will move the
  child forward,

10
Observe the therapist.

• What strategies does she use during assessment
  and follow-up Sessions?