Play Therapy uses a variety of play and
creative arts techniques (the 'Play Therapy Tool-Kit' to alleviate
chronic, mild and moderate psychological and emotional conditions in
children that are causing behavioural problems and/or are preventing
children from realising their potential.
The Play Therapist works integratively using a wide range of play and
creative arts techniques, mostly responding to the child's wishes.
This distinguishes the Play Therapist from more specialised therapists (Art,
Music, Drama etc). The greater depth of skills and experience
distinguishes the play therapist from those using therapeutic play skills.
In order to become a PTIrl Certified Play Therapist a minimum of 200 hours of
supervised clinical work is required whilst in training. A total of 450
hours are required to become a PTIrl Accredited Play Therapist.
The Play Therapist forms a short to medium term therapeutic relationship
and often works systemically taking into account and perhaps dealing with
the social environment of the clients (peers, siblings, family, school etc).
Clinical supervision is essential.
Play therapy may be non-directive (where the child decides what to do in
a session, within safe boundaries - see
Axline's rules), directive (where the therapist leads the way) or a
mixture of the two. Play therapy is particularly effective with
children who cannot, or do not want to talk about their problems.
See also:
Play,
Play Work,
Therapeutic Play,
Filial Therapy,
Child Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology (CPCP) &
The Play Continuum
