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What is Play Therapy?. Definition of Play Therapy. A method of psychotherapy with children that utilizes both play and verbal communication to understand and help the child. National Assoc. of Play Therapy . Why Play Therapy?. .
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Definition of Play Therapy • A method of psychotherapy with children that utilizes both play and verbal communication to understand and help the child. National Assoc. of Play Therapy
Why Play Therapy? . • Appropriate therapy for children 12 years old and younger because child might not have the vocabulary to express feelings. • Play is a natural process of self expression for a child. • Child is encouraged to play out feelings, conflicts, and problems during play
Play therapy assumes that: • What is said and done by the child during play has meaning to the child. • The therapist will attempt to decipher that meaning to see what effect it can or might have on the child’s behavior. • It is is an appropriate therapy especially for a child who has experienced abuse, neglect ,anger issues, separation issues and anxiety.
Process of Play Therapy • Assessment • Engagement • Therapy • Termination
Materials Used • Drawings • Clay/ Dough • Specialized games • Puppets/Dolls • Blocks
What are the connections to EC Professionals? • Understand and provide similar risk free environments where similar processes can occur. Be a good observer. • Advocate for play therapy for those who would benefit from. • Encourage parents to play with children • Advocate for the benefits of play. • Have a wide range of toys and materials for children to play with.
Qualifications of Play Therapists • Master’s degree in mental health or medical degree with course work in child development, theories of psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychopathology and legal and ethical issues • 2 years of supervised clinical experience post master’s National Assoc. of Play Therapy
Characteristics of the Therapist • Able to establish a warm trusting relationship with child • Accept child as she/he is. • Sensitive to child’s feelings and reflect them back. • Understand the therapy is a slow process. • Provide only as much guidance as will move the child forward,
Observe the therapist. • What strategies does she use during assessment and follow-up Sessions?