Humanistic Play Therapy

Humanistic Play Therapy can be defined as;

 

“A dynamic interpersonal relationship between a child and a trained Play Therapist who provides carefully chosen play materials and facilitates the development of a safe relationship for the child to fully express and explore self (feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviours') through play, the child’s natural medium of communication, for optimal growth and development”

 

This definition emphasizes that the focus in this therapy is on the relationship between the child and the therapist.

 

Humanistic Play Therapy has been in use since the 1940’s and is a non-directive intervention founded on child-centered (client-centered) values. Play therapy has been shown to be a developmentally appropriate treatment method when working with children.

 

In Humanistic Play Therapy the playroom is set up to be a warm and inviting space that it both safe and stress free. As part the approach the therapist’s endeavors to express unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence.  This is the basis in which a warm, caring relationship can develop so the child feels free to explore and express themselves completely.

 

Prior to commencing any type of intervention, a compressive intake interview will be undertaken with the primary care givers and the requirements of the child will be assessed. The Play Therapist will determine the length and intensity of a Play Therapy intervention based on the complexity of the reason for referral.

 

Typically Play Therapy sessions will take place weekly and last for 1 hour.

 

Short term, medium term or longer-term Play Therapy is available.

 

A short-term intervention is typically 6-10 sessions, medium term 10-16 sessions, and longer-term work 16 - 24 plus sessions.

 

Play Therapy can be combined with Filial Therapy; a child may have 6-8 sessions of individual work before beginning a family intervention.

 

Different options can be discussed.