Ethical Issues Concerning Children In Play Therapy

The key to attain this solid foundation is through communicating effectively and clearly with the adults associated with the play setting. For example, it is important that parents and carers are aware of any issues that may have arisen during the session, any difficulties their child is encountering, or if their child has behaved or responded particularly well to a certain situation. Essentially, this involves being ‘updated’ on their child’s general behaviour and well-being. The importance of clear communication can be evidenced here. Being vague in ones communications can lead to problems such as misunderstanding, the child being reprimanded for something they didn’t do by parents, or by parents not grasping the full extent of the problem. Not only would this affect the support the child would receive, but many could argue that such misinterpretations or misunderstandings could result in conflict between play setting and parent.

As the client attends sporadically and has not displayed the reported behaviors in the play room, formal assessment was not deemed necessary. While formal assessments were not conducted, informal assessments including observations were conducted over six play therapy sessions of approximately 45 minutes each. The client presents to sessions with appropriate hygiene and dress. He is willing to participate and is engaged for the entire 45-minute play session.

In the article of engaging families in therapeutic play, it had so many stories but one story talked about a young girl who was molested by her father, however the mother and social worker was hesitant about allowing the father to move back in the home. In this short story, the counselor was able to use play therapy to detect if the father was ready to reunite with his family. During family therapy, the counselors are required to put the children in front position of therapy. This is important because it helps children to express themselves, and it enhances the interactions between children and

Haslam, D., Harris, S. (2011). Integrating Play and Family Therapy Methods: A Survey of Play

In addition, children’s play holds significant therapeutic value in providing a safe, protective environment in a space where children can recreate themselves and self-cure” (Campbell et al., 2010). The strongest therapeutic tool used in this process is the child’s innate drive to self-actualize.

Virginia Axline’s work in Child-Centered Play Therapy stemmed from the Person-Centered theoretical orientation of Carl Rogers. She shared the perspective in which the value of the therapeutic nature is derived from the recognition by the individual as a capable being and the realization of responsibility. A desired goal of therapy is understanding, which

Developmental Therapy Developmental therapy is a profession that precisely looks at how children develop during the most substantial period of development from birth through 5 years (Health School Guide, 2016). Developmental therapists measure a child’s global development and identify specific areas of need and strength (Health School Guide, 2016). The aspects that developmental therapist look for in children include cognitive skills, language and communication, social-emotional skills and behavior, gross and fine motor skills, and self-help skills (Health School Guide, 2016). Furthermore, they develop play activities aimed to help a child overcome their encounters and improve the quality of their interactions in order to help them gain

Case studies have proven that therapist who counsel children and adolescents using play therapy experience counter-transference at alarming rates when compared to those who use psychotherapy to treat adults (Gil & Rubin, 2005). During therapy sessions with children and adolescents, the therapist may not be aware of his or her personal biases and unresolved emotional needs, which may result in inappropriate responses or behaviors by the therapist.

10). According to Landreth (2012), “Play therapy… facilitates the development of a safe relationship for the child… to fully express and explore self (feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviors) through play, the child’s natural medium of communication, for optimal growth and development”

Children often face various mental health issues when they are growing up. These issues include anxiety, trauma, depression and now even autistic children. Treating young children of these conditions has been a great challenge over time. Therapy can help give children the opportunity to express their feelings through play. According to the Association for Play Therapy (2002), play therapy is a "systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process in which trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development." Although various studies have been conducted in regards to play research, there is no link that has been given between play therapy and the success of an individual later in life.

Play therapy is a form of therapy where children can’t act out their fantasies and express their feelings or experiences and are simply encouraged to do so through play, abetted by a therapist's interpretations.

When I was 18, I was involved in a car accident that almost took my life, this caused me to fall into depressive state while I attended college. The depression was due to not knowing who I was as a person without football. Before the accident every aspect of my life revolved around the sport, and I was highly scouted to come the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and play football. It was this whirlwind of emotions constantly plaguing my mind by being immersed in a place that reminded me of something that I could no longer experience. With the assistance of a counselor at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, I was able to begin healing. This was a turning point in my life, and it was these sessions that sparked my interest in the field of psychology.

Play is a way for children to learn about their environment and how interaction occurs within. It is through trial and error that children are able to create options; follow their own interests and show “independence in thought and actions” using their knowledge and understanding (Moyles, 2005, p.3). Children develop resilience though play. However for a number of children can experience stressful occurrences during their lives and play can often be restricted. Therefore the play worker’s role in supporting children’s play is a crucial measure towards children's development. For those that work with children require the dexterity to prompt and contribute to children’s play, which can be seen as a principle aspect of therapeutic alliance.

The field of child counseling has been enriched through the integration of play therapy within different therapeutic approaches, as this method allows children to express thoughts and feelings that they might not be able to convey any other way due to their limited vocabulary (Henderson & Thompson, 2016). Over the past eight years, MacGill (2017) has built both her private practice, as well as functioned as a school counselor for students with special needs, MacGill demonstrates each day the many ways that play therapy can be integrated with several different therapeutic approaches as a method of building rapport and gaining a better understanding of each child’s mental health needs. MacGill is a Licensed Clinical

Eventually, this behavior prompted my parents to enroll me in weekly play therapy sessions. I remember being excited each week to go play with the sand tray and be in the comforting presence of my counselor. As months went by, my parents noticed big changes. I gained independence, slept in my own bed for the first time, and navigated social situations with less distress. Reflecting on this transformative experience, I am grateful for the way play therapy enhanced the quality of my childhood As an adult, I've revisited therapy to continue my personal growth journey.