Transcript Play Therapy - University of Toronto

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 Do toys
durable?
allow for
creative
expression?
Do the toys
encourage
emotional
expression
Can the
Is there
Remove
child
opportunity isolating
explore real for success? toys.
life
situations?
Using Play in a Deliberate
Manner to Provide a Therapeutic
Experience
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•
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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
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•
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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