Play Therapy
AB Psychology and Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach primarily used with children to help them express their emotions, experiences, and thoughts through play. Since children often lack the verbal skills to articulate their feelings, play becomes a natural medium for them to communicate.
The theoretical underpinnings of play therapy are rooted in several psychological theories and frameworks.
Here are the primary ones:
1. Psychodynamic Theory:
Influenced by Freud, this theory suggests that play allows children to express unconscious thoughts and feelings. Through play, children can work through conflicts and traumas, revealing their inner world in a safe environment. For example, a child reenacting a parental conflict with dolls may be processing their own feelings about family dynamics.
2. Humanistic Theory:
Grounded in Carl Rogers' principles of unconditional positive regard and empathy, this approach focuses on creating a safe, accepting environment where children feel free to express themselves. Play therapists strive to build a trusting relationship, allowing children to explore their feelings without judgment.
3. Developmental Theory:
This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding a child's developmental stage. Play therapy aligns with children’s natural modes of expression, supporting their emotional and social development. For example, a therapist might use age-appropriate toys to help a child express feelings they cannot articulate verbally.
4. Systems Theory:
This approach considers the child within the context of their family and environment. Family dynamics can be explored through play, allowing the therapist to understand and intervene in relational patterns. For instance, a child’s play might reveal how family stressors impact their behaviour.
5. Cognitive-Behavioural Theory:
This approach emphasizes the role of thoughts and behaviours in emotional regulation. Play therapy can help children identify and modify negative thought patterns while developing coping strategies through structured play. For instance, using role-play scenarios, a child might learn to handle peer pressure more effectively
Together, these theoretical frameworks inform play therapy's practice, guiding techniques and interventions to support children in expressing and processing their emotions effectively.
The evidence base for play therapy is growing, supported by various studies and meta-analyses that highlight its effectiveness. Here are some key findings:
1. Meta-Analyses:
A comprehensive meta-analysis published in Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology (2017) found that play therapy significantly benefits children with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems. The effect sizes were moderate to large, indicating meaningful improvements in emotional and behavioural functioning.
2. Specific Conditions:
Research shows play therapy can be particularly effective for trauma. For instance, a study in Child Abuse & Neglect (2011) demonstrated that children who underwent play therapy after experiencing trauma exhibited significantly reduced PTSD symptoms compared to those who did not receive therapy.
3. Parental Involvement:
Studies, such as one published in International Journal of Play Therapy (2019), suggest that incorporating parents into play therapy enhances outcomes, helping families develop better communication and coping strategies.
4. Neuroscience Support:
Neuroimaging studies indicate that engaging in play can help develop emotional regulation and empathy in children, reinforcing the therapeutic benefits of play.
5. Long-term Outcomes:
Research indicates that children who participate in play therapy show lasting improvements in emotional well-being and social skills, with benefits persisting beyond the therapy sessions.
These findings collectively support play therapy as a valid, effective treatment for emotional and behavioural issues in children, making it a valuable tool in therapeutic settings.
How will we work together?
I believe that the therapeutic relationship (the way we work together) is essential to a good outcome. I like to work with you to build a relationship based on trust, honesty and mutual respect. I take a positive approach based on your strengths and aim to work at a pace that feels right for you.
My focus is to support you in improving well‐being and resilience, and/or ease distress or resolve crises that may be getting in the way of you living a full and meaningful life.
