Play Therapy Research Paper

Play Therapy for Children Coping with Sexual Abuse Trauma
Lindsay Olson, 500381867
Audrey Huberman
CLD 444: Art Therapies for Young Children
Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Abstract This paper reviews literature focusing on child sexual abuse victims and the use of Play Therapy. It outlines the benefits of including parents in the therapeutic interventions and play therapy sessions with their child. It touches on the different theoretical perspectives of Play Theory and highlights potential for Play Theory in the educational setting. This paper will propose options for further research.

Introduction

Children are naturally drawn to play, so it only makes sense to incorporate therapeutic interventions through
A nondirective approach does not require a therapist to be passive, but instead allows the child to take the lead in their own healing process. It is the therapists’ job to build a warm, trusting relationship with the child, as well as to set up the playroom with unique, appropriate toys that are geared specifically towards each child. Roy et. Al (2013) stated that play therapists should provide age-appropriate materials that give children the opportunity to symbolically express themselves and do not have instructions on how to be used. The toys selected should,
“facilitate a wide range of creative expression, engage children’s interests, facilitate expressive and exploratory play, allow exploration and expression without verbalization, allow success without prescribed structure, allow for noncommittal play and have a sturdy construction for active use” (Roy et. Al, 2013, p. 45)
Virginia Axline, the creator of the non-directive approach in play therapy believed that “this method required the understanding that each child has the capacity to problem solve and act responsibly… [that] this type of therapy is gradual and not something that should be rushed” (Brooke, 2006, p.
According to Brooke (2006), before understanding the Adlerian approach on play therapy, it is necessary to understand the Adlerian approach to counseling and psychology. Adlerian Theory was based off of the ideas of Alfred Adler and “assumes that peoples’ behaviour is intentional and with purpose. The purpose of misbehaviour in children could be to gain attention or power, seek revenge, or express feelings of inadequacy” (p. 67) This being said, Adlerian Play Therapy focuses on giving a child the opportunity to understand and therefore, make better decisions about their self, the world around them and their relationships. An Adlerian Play Therapists’ job includes assessing and recording observations of a child’s play over a period of time, having discussions with the child where the therapist restates key findings that occurred in the child’s play, and then reflects on these findings with the child to build an understanding of the behaviours taking place in play (p.