Introduction to Play Therapy

Introduction

Play Therapy is an effective psychological treatment for a wide range of child mental health difficulties and stressful life experiences. In this introduction you will experience key aspects of play therapy practice.

Play Therapy is an effective psychological treatment for a wide range of child mental health difficulties and stressful life experiences. It has existed as a distinct discipline since the 1940's, emerging from child psychotherapeutic practice and the humanistic psychology tradition. In this introduction you will experience key aspects of play therapy practice.

Intended Audience

Suitable for individuals considering taking up professional training in Play Therapy as well as professionals who are already working with children e.g. social workers, occupational/speech therapists, mental health professionals, residential workers etc. No previous experience of Play Therapy is necessary but a willingness and enthusiasm for play is very much welcomed.

Outcomes/What you will learn

The day is about playing and practising at playing by putting into practice the skills of a play therapist.

Participants will gain an understanding of: the therapeutic relationship; how children communicate through the use of symbolic play and how to facilitate this; how change is promoted through attention to the child’s communication. A electronic certificate of attendance will be e-mailed on successful completion of the course.

Suggested Reading

Axline, V. (1979) Play Therapy. USA: Ballantine Books.

Ayling, P., Armstrong, H., & Gordon Clark. L. (2019) Becoming and Being a Play Therapist: Play Therapy in Practice. London: Routledge

Cattanach, A. (2003) Introduction to Play Therapy. Hove: Brunner-Routledge.

Cochran, N.H., Nording, W.J. & Cochran, J.l. (2010) Child Centred Play Therapy: A Practical Guide to Developing Therapeutic relationships with Children. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Gordon Clark, L. (2018 ) ‘Play Therapy’ in Robson, M. & Pattison, S. (eds.) The Handbook of Counselling Children and Young People. 2nd edn. London: Sage, pp.106-119.

Landreth, G. L. (2012) Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. 3rd edn. Hove: Routledge

Rogers, C. (1986) Client Centred Therapy. San Fransisco: Jossey-Bass.

McMahon, L. (2009) The Handbook of Play Therapy and Therapeutic Play. 2nd edn. East Sussex: Routledge

Schaefer, C. (2011) Foundations of Play Therapy. 2nd New Jersey: John Wiley.

West, J. (1996) Child-Centred Play Therapy. London: Arnold Press.