Play is essential to the development of cognitive, social, motor, and language skills in children (Carlson et al., 2006). Ginott (1960) noted that play is a child's language, and toys are the child's words. In play therapy, children's play is seen as a symbolic representation of their world (Homeyer & Morrison, 2008). Children use play to cope with stressful situations and to make meaning and process those situations (Carlson et al., 2006). The Association for Play Therapy (APT) (2016) defined play therapy as, "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained Play Therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth …show more content…
Children who have experienced trauma also present with a wide array of symptoms, and having an integrated approach allows for a therapist to decide which technique to use for each individual client. An integrated approach allows a therapist to answer the well-known question by Paul (1967), "What treatment, by whom, is most effective for this individual with that specific problem, and under which set of circumstances?" (p. 111). An integrative approach that uses both directive and non-directive techniques is Adlerian play …show more content…
Adler measured mental health in terms of social interest, the ability to participate and contribute to others (Oberst & Stewart, 2003). If a caregiver was unable to foster this social interest in a young child, then this child may seek to belong in uncooperative ways like acting out in order to get attention and feel significant in the family. An Adlerian play therapist attempts to understand how a child seeks belonging in the family and helps the child foster his or her social interest (Kottman & Ashby, 2014). An Adlerian play therapist helps the child learn more socially appropriate ways to feel a sense of belonging and worthiness in the family and other social settings (Kottman & Ashby,
This study looked at the therapeutic relationship and its influence in the process of Child-centered play therapy (CCPT). An exploratory single subject quantitative-qualitative design was used to examine therapist relational variables and their associations with changes in children’s behavior in CCPT (Hilliard, 1993; Jordans, Komproe, Tol, Nsereko, & De Jong, 2013). Specifically, we examined changes in levels of therapist process variables and their corresponding relationships with changes in children’s behaviors within and between cases to better understand therapeutic processes that impact child behavior, as well as the therapeutic relationship.
Rye N. Child-Centred Play Therapy. In: JH Stone, M Blouin, editors. International Encyclopedia of Rehabilitation. 2010.
The word “play” has numerous meanings to different people in different contexts. Therefore it cannot have one definition and is described in a number of ways. Smith (2010) describes play as involvement in an activity, purely for amusement and to take part for fun. That play is “done for it’s own sake, for fun, not for any external purpose.” (Smith, 2010. P4) Therefore, as one precise definition cannot be presented for the word ‘play,’ it is described in a number of ways such as social dramatic play. Briggs and Hanson (2012) portray social dramatic play as the building blocks of a child’s ability to accept the possibility to step into another world, building and developing on children’s higher order thinking, accentuating the child as a social learner. Another example of play is exploratory play, which is described as children being placed in an explorer or investigator role, to identify the cause or affect a resources that is presented to them has. (Briggs, M and Hanson, A. 2012) Games are also another example of play. They are included on the basis that playing games with rules, regardless of age, can develop a child’s intellectual capabilities along with their physical, behavioural and emotional health. (Briggs, M and Hanson, A. 2012).
The theory of therapy that I have personalized and developed is that of an Integrative Play Therapy Approach (IPT). Gil, Konrath, Shaw, Goldin & McTaggart Bryan (2015) describe this method as an approach which utilizes a combination of two or more therapeutic styles. This will allow my personal theory to be customized as needed to meet varying client needs. In developing my individual theoretical orientation of therapy, I took into consideration my experiences within the field and my previous education, as well as my own values, personality traits and my natural therapeutic style. Additionally, the setting in which this therapeutic style is being utilized is taken into account. Given this, it is important to highlight that my approach will
Exploring How Psychologists Study the Role of Play in Child Development Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, New Edition, 1995 defines “play” as: “[Children] when children play, they do things that they enjoy, often together or with toys. ” Play is one of the most powerful vehicles children have for trying out and mastering new social skills, concepts and experiences. Psychologists, such as Faulkner (1995), present evidence that play is seen as a mean of developing social skills and interpersonal relationships with others. The first section of the essay will present the different approaches psychologists use in the quest to learn about the role of children’s play and their related issues. This section will briefly define the nature of play and the different types of play that influence social development.
O’conner, K. & Braverman, L. (2009) Play Therapy, Theory and Practice; Wiley & Sons, Inc, Hoboken, New Jersey.
For example, when considering Landreth’s definition of play, does this research even study play (Landreth, 2012)? Clearly, there is a difference of opinions on what constitutes as play, as Landreth believes that play is child-oriented, but in this study play is completely initiated by the parent. On a more positive note, both Landreth and the researchers of this study agree that it is important for parents to be partners in therapeutic play (Landreth, 2012). Another interesting relation to class discussions, is how play used in the study can be categorized as any of the three types of play practice because it all depends on how the parent and child interacted when ‘playing’ with the plush toy. If the child used the toy to learn about his surgery and it aids in learning/development then this could fall under educational play practice. Conversely, if the child used the toy to play freely or as an outlet for discovery, this could be considered recreational play practice. Equally, if the child used the toy to be expressive or as a way to confront stressors, then this type of play could be associated with the ideals of therapeutic play practices (Howard & McInnes, 2013). This study also aligns decently with the ideals and practices of Child Life Specialists (CLS), and the implications of this study for CLS can be far-reaching. The authors state that
Playing may seem like such a modest task, that cannot possibly change a child’s health or mental status. However, play therapy has transformed the world of pediatric nursing, it is an essential part of any child’s treatment. Play therapy is a form of counselling in which play is used as means of helping children express or communicate their feelings. Play therapy began in 1965, by a therapist trying to gain access to a child’s inner life and trust. Nurses later discovered that play therapy could be used as a nursing intervention to gain the trust of their small patients and help in the difficult process of being hospitalized. It is known that children’s mental health decline while being hospitalized, using
Play is a way for children to learn about their environment and how interaction occurs within. It is through trial and error that children are able to create options; follow their own interests and show “independence in thought and actions” using their knowledge and understanding (Moyles, 2005, p.3). Children develop resilience though play. However for a number of children can experience stressful occurrences during their lives and play can often be restricted. Therefore the play worker’s role in supporting children’s play is a crucial measure towards children's development. For those that work with children require the dexterity to prompt and contribute to children’s play, which can be seen as a principle aspect of therapeutic alliance. However, for those children mentioned above, what happens when play becomes non-existent or deprived, then how do these children engage in play? Whilst this has been a continuous discussion amongst practitioners as well as researchers in the field of child development, this essay will “evaluate some of the benefits and challenges of developing play/leisure activities” of therapeutic play, along with identifying how play serves its purpose in regards to children’s holistic and play development. In addition, using a therapeutic alliance this essay will accentuate how the therapist can support children’s play, promoting and expanding the child’s play through implementing activities in a child centred-play/directive approach.
I was hesitantly excited when I learned that Sister Thomas Welder was going to be a guest speaker in our Transition Seminar. I do not have much experience when it comes to interacting with the sisters, so my expectation was something out of the movie “Sister Act”. I expected her to be dressed in full habit and be very docile and reserved. My mom, who attended the University of Mary several years ago, spoke very highly of all the sisters, especially Sister Thomas Welder, this made me even more curious to meet her and listen to her speak to our class. When she arrived, I was shocked.
Many theorists have tried to define play as a concept, however, no two agree on a set definition. Their backgrounds and induvial lifestyles influence the way they see the importance of play. Reed and Brown also believe that there isn’t an agreed definition of play because is something that is felt rather than done (Reed & Brown, 2000 cited in Brock, Dodd’s, Jarvis & Olusoga, 2009). In spite of this, it is clear that most theorists uphold the ethos that play is imperative to a child’s learning and development. There is a wide range of different studies and theories which helps us develop our own perception of what play is. In my personal experience I have found play to be a way of expressive our emotions, exploring and learning new things, thus
There are too many children with anger problems in society and this is in fact proving to show difficulty in the home, in school, and with peers. A variety of behaviours are occurring, such as bullying, acting out, angry outbursts, fighting, harming self, and destruction of objects. These behaviours affect the individual as well as those around them. In order to improve the individual, play therapy needs to be implemented.
Play directly influences how children develop both emotionally and socially. Children learn how to express their emotions and cope with their feelings as they experiment with different characters in their play. Play gives children a “harmless outlet to their built up aggression” (CHETN). This is displayed when a child becomes angry, upset, or stressed about a situation in their lives; these young children may not be old enough or have the proper communication tools to communicate what they are feeling. Therefor they may choose to play with objects that depict the emotions that they are feeling and attempt to cope. Simply said, a child will use play to explain how they are feeling rather than acting out in a negative fashion (Wehrman 351). This not only works for the child when expressing emotions, it can also be effective for whole families in coping with emotions. When families come together and play they may be “less analytical and intellectual and more ...
As the semester comes down to an end, I have realized how much I have grown. My knowledge for play therapy was not as large as it is now. I am so thankful that I was able to be in this class and learn what I have learned. The skill set I have gained has helped me tremendously with my practice.
This theory suggests that play plays a vital role of treating children’s disorders, children are able to gain some sense of control and alleviate their negative emotions including anxieties, fears and traumas through playing (Heidman & Hewitt, 2010; Freud, 1961). From the psychoanalytic perspective, play has a cathartic effect for children as it can assist children to cope with adverse feelings (Wolfberg, 2009, p. 32). Therefore, play is regarded as a therapeutic method to deal with the emotional problems (Wolfberg, 2009, p. 32). Moreover, this theory is of the view that play is an avenue to connect children’s past, current and future inner life (Willians, 2009, p. 575). Sigmund Freud was the pioneer who made a considerable contribution to this theory and he called “play” as the “royal road” to the child’s conscious and unconscious world (Willians, 2009, p. 575). He believed that play allows a combination of fantasy with reality, children should spend time playing every day as it is very healthy and necessarily (Willians, 2009, p. 575). Children are able to resolve psychological dilemmas, soften their worries and develop their understanding of life experiences (Wolfberg, 2009, p. 32). Erikson had further developed this theory, he recognized that the particular events are critical to shape the nature of