Rogerian Theory: A Brief History Of Play Therapy

The History of Play Therapy Play therapy is not something new. Depending on who you talk to either Carl Rogers or Garry Landreth developed child centered play therapy in the 1980s based on Virginia Axline’s work, who treated “troubled children” (Bornsheuer and Watts, 2012; Johnson et al., 1999). Child-centered play therapy can be defined as creating a“dynamic interpersonal relationship between a child and a therapist” (Bornsheuer and Watts, 2012, p. 2) which is trained in play therapy to create a safe environment where the child is able to express themselves fully.

Child centered play therapy allows children learn more about themselves and use that to start the healing process (Post, 2014). Rogerian theory discusses establishing concrete goals with both the child and the parents (Post, 2014). Empathy, acceptance and genuineness are key therapeutic skills that are used in Rogerian therapy. In child centered play therapy, the focus is on the child versus the

The largest benefit is that play therapy seems to be the favored method by parents (Brumfield & Christensen, 2011). Benefits that assist the child include: learning to express their feelings and thoughts; assuming responsibility for their actions; develop problem solving skills; learning more about themselves; learning accept their feelings; developing a deeper relationship with their family and parents; enhances self-confidence; learning to express fears; and use of developmentally appropriate activities. Additional benefits include reducing anxiety and learning to process stress; therapy is a place to develop life skills; reducing speech disturbances and separation concerns; reducing aggressive behavior; and increasing behavioral, emotional, social, and cognitive skills (Bornsheuer and Watts, 2012; Post, 2014; Willis, Walters, & Crane, 2014; Johnson et al., 1999) . These skills although diverse, help to enhance the therapeutic relationship and promote of