In this study, the naturalistic method of qualitative research (Y. Lincoln & E. Guba, 1985) was applied to the study of the early relationship development process (ERDP) of nondirective play therapy. The analyses of individual and focus group meetings with play therapists in Canada and Holland as well as from videotapes from the same settings resulted in the emergence of 6 themes: description, qualities, goals, therapeutic support, process, and indicators of growth. These themes, which are presented in the "voices of the participants," together with the literature review, serve to enrich the description of ERDP. The data suggested that play provides an environment of safety, creativity, and privacy when careful preparation for therapy from outside supports such as family, caregivers, and school settings takes place. With this in place, the child is able to share his or her narrative, developing a sense of empowerment, a better sense of self-actualization, a language, and "a voice" all facilitated by the early relationship with the play therapist. In addition, new information emerged from the analyses of videotapes acquired from the same 2 settings, suggesting that there is a propensity for children to find "comfort" play when permitted to freely discover the play room.
It is important for all therapists to be culturally sensitive to children and their eco-systems as well as to be aware of the current trends and the changing application of play as a healing agent. The focus of this study is on the development of a current description of play by therapists from a global perspective through a thematic analysis of focus groups resulting in an explanation of how play contributes to healing and the practice of therapy. In this study, the naturalistic method of qualitative research (Bowers, 2009;Lincoln & Guba, 1985) was applied to the study of play around the world, resulting in a new description of "play". The analyses of focus group meetings in Morocco, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada and Europe resulted in the emergence of 8 themes: productivity through play, contribution to development, facilitation of the relationship through play, honouring diversity, collaboration between children and caregivers, stimulation through technology-based play, relaxation provided by play, and the devaluation of play. These themes, which are presented through the "voices of the participants", together with the literature review, serve to enrich the changing description of play. With participants from all continents, a current global perspective highlights the changes that play, both as a concept and as a healing agent, has undergone and will continue to do so. New information emerged suggesting that technology has become a worldwide focus for children but has a paradoxical effect on their relationships.
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