
Introduction to Play Therapy
Cindi Bockwitz, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
1. Describe the rationale for the use of play therapy.
2. Learn effective and practical strategies to counsel children using play techniques.
3. Discuss the therapeutic effects of play therapy.
4. Demonstrate basic facilitative responses using play therapy techniques.
5. Develop an understanding of the value of play as a therapeutic intervention.
6. Understand the importance of play as an assessment tool with children.
7. Understand how play and family therapy techniques can be integrated for evaluation and treatment purposes.
Agenda
The historical development of play
psychodynamic
release therapy
relationship therapies
nondirective play therapy
Why use play therapy?
Principles for relating to children
landreth
axline
Basic propositions of child centered play therapy
Functions of play therapists
directive and nondirective
Traits conducive to being a good play therapist
The playroom and materials
ideal playroom characteristics
rationale for the selection of toys and materials
play therapy room procedures
Goals of play therapy
tracking
reflection
return responsibility
credit the effort
give choices
set limits
Multicultural issues and play therapy
consideration of demographic variables of children
Therapeutic responding
skilled, pegs
Facilitative play therapy responses
Nonfacilitative play therapy responses
Questions children ask in play therapy and their possible meanings
Therapeutic limit setting
guidelines
rationale
steps in effective limit setting
Recognizing and understanding play themes
common themes
making interpretations
Transference issues in play therapy
positive and negative transference
Intervening in stagnant, rigid, or ongoing repetitive play
Preventing burn out in play therapy
Determining therapeutic process and terminations
readiness for termination
procedures for ending relationship
Consulting with parents
assessment of parent functioning
personality priorities
using play therapy in family therapy
If time permits:
Looking for meaning in children's art
Sandtray play
