Introduction to Therapeutic Play

Introduction: therapeutic play; the range of techniques; the aims of therapy; the context of therapeutic play. Part 1 Theoretical contributions: attachment and the effects of separation; transference and counter-transference; the role of defence mechanisms; the contribution of Erikson; the importance of play; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Part 2 The essential assessment: assessment as a preparation for therapeutic play; using the assessment to select a therapeutic play approach; assessment in practice; therapeutic play as part of a comprehensive assessment. Part 3 The organization of therapeutic play: reliability; time and space; the choice of toys; recording; confidentiality; beginning therapy. Part 4 Non-directive play techniques: Axline's eight principles of non-directive play therapy; current interpretations of Axline's principles; the theoretical base of non-directive play therapy; non-directive play therapy in practice. Part 5 Focused interventions: techniques that help the adult get to know the child; techniques that offer a glimpse of the child's inner world; techniques aimed at improving the child's sense of him- or herself as a cohesive, unique and valued individual; techniques to help the child make sense of his or her past and present; life-story work; techniques that help children express feelings; special issues for children who have survived sexual abuse; practical aids; contributions from art, drama and music therapists. Part 6 Challenges in therapeutic play: the timing of therapy; the angry child's view of the world; working with withdrawn, silent children; working with emotionally-delayed children; working with un-integrated children; working with children who dissociate; working with very young children and adolescents; working with children in hospital, and children with disabilities; the value of having fun. Part 7 Closing procedures and looking after the worker: terminating therapy; training, support and supervision.