Introduction Humanistic approach – provides primary framework for conceptualization and practice

1. An Integrative Humanistic Play Therapy Approach to Treating Adopted Children with a History of Attachment Disruptions • Introduction • Humanistic approach – provides primary framework for conceptualization and practice • Attachment theory – informs understanding of attachment dynamics in parent-child and therapist-child relationships and enhances treatment • Rationale for integrative approach • Humanistic play therapy principles and practice • Essential is the belief in the healing nature of the therapist-child relationship • Belief in the conditions and attitudes necessary for an effective therapeutic alliance • Belief in phenomenal world of the child • Child’s natural striving toward growth and maturity

2. An Integrative Humanistic Play Therapy Approach to Treating Adopted Children with a History of Attachment Disruptions • Rationale for integrative approach (cont.) • Humanistic play therapy principles and practice (cont.) • Child’s capacity for self-evaluation, self-regulation, self-direction, self-responsibility, and socialization • Therapist qualities • Genuineness • Empathy • Unconditional positive regard • Child will feel accepted and safe to express self fully and move toward positive functioning • Individual and filial therapy formats

3. An Integrative Humanistic Play Therapy Approach to Treating Adopted Children with a History of Attachment Disruptions • Rationale for integrative approach (cont.) • Attachment theory • Parental behaviors influence attachment security versus insecurity • Secure (B) attachment – emotionally responsive behavior • Anxious-avoidant (A) attachment – rejecting behavior • Anxious-resistant (C) attachment – inconsistent behavior • Disorganized/disoriented (D) attachment – abusive, neglectful, frightening behavior • Trauma = breakdown in capacity to regulate internal states • Results in fright, flight, or freeze • Compromises regulatory ability of the amygdala • Attachment disruptions, which can cause developmental lags • Understanding attachment dynamics in the therapist-child and parent-child relationships provides therapist with greater sensitivity to child

4. An Integrative Humanistic Play Therapy Approach to Treating Adopted Children with a History of Attachment Disruptions • Application of integrated approach • Develop trust that primary adults can meet child’s needs • Integration of early experience into self-concept • Increased levels of self-acceptance and self-regulation • Enhanced developmental functioning in all areas, particularly socioemotional functioning • Parents’ attachment histories impact parenting and require attention • Assessments • Parent interview • Developmental history • Measurement of stress in parent-child relationship • Parent and teacher-reported assessments • Socioemotional development • Behavioral functioning • Parent-child play observation after six weeks • Assess attachment patterns of interaction • Assess parent’s responses to behavior management training

5. An Integrative Humanistic Play Therapy Approach to Treating Adopted Children with a History of Attachment Disruptions • Application of integrated approach (cont.) • Two internalized contradictory messages regarding self-worth and what is needed from caregivers • “I have to make you like me so you won’t want to leave me” • “I must not be worthy of being loved; I have to take care of myself” • Behavior expected given prior experience, not adoptive parents’ or child’s fault • Parent education and play therapy training is so important because 1x/week therapy is insufficient to change and reinforce neuropathways • Play therapy treatment objectives • Establish responsive, predictable relationship from which to explore past and present experiences • Establish relationship in which genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard are at the core

6. An Integrative Humanistic Play Therapy Approach to Treating Adopted Children with a History of Attachment Disruptions • Application of integrated approach (cont.) • Treatment objectives for involving caregivers • Provide support and education • Develop better understanding of child by describing • Themes • Connection between play and early experiences • How themes are relevant to behavior at home and school • Normalize parents’ behavioral and emotional response to child’s behavior problems • Foster greater understanding of child’s needs • Impact of attachment experiences on development • Impact of attachment experiences on current functioning • Enhance parent-child attunement through creating enjoyable, developmentally responsive interactions • Respond to aggression consistently that communicates safety and acceptance • Strengthen parenting skills and confidence in responding to child’s needs • Remember to involve teacher so that child will experience safety and predictability at school