What play therapists do within the therapeutic relationship of humanistic/non-directive play therapy

Journal article


Robinson, S. 2011. What play therapists do within the therapeutic relationship of humanistic/non-directive play therapy. Pastoral Care in Education. 29 (3), pp. 207-220. https://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2011.599858
AuthorsRobinson, S.
Abstract

Play therapists are increasingly being employed in schools, yet there is confusion among many health, education and social care practitioners about the role of play therapists. This paper explains how play therapists position themselves and what they do through an examination of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and child. It discusses the core conditions of congruence, acceptance and empathy with reference to recent research. Play therapists vary their practice in terms of verbal or non-verbal interaction, the tools in their playroom and how they physically place themselves. This paper argues for placing an emphasis on the non-verbal mirroring of the child, the incorporation of expressive media such as paint, clay and sand into the play room and the positioning of the therapist within the play space.

Keywordsplay therapy; children; emotional well-being; therapeutic relationship
Year2011
JournalPastoral Care in Education
Journal citation29 (3), pp. 207-220
ISSN0264-3944
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2011.599858
Related URLhttp://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/rped
Publication dates
Print05 Sep 2011
Publication process dates
Deposited07 Sep 2011
Accepted author manuscript
Output statusPublished
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