Assessing Play‐Based Activities, Child Talk, and Single Session Outcome in Family Therapy with Young Children

Abstract

This exploratory, observational study was designed to reveal descriptive information regarding therapists' actual practices with preschool- and school-aged children in a single session of family therapy and to investigate change mechanisms in family play therapy that have been proposed to make this approach effective. A purposive sample of 30 families receiving family therapy was recruited and video-taped during a family session where at least one child between the ages of 4 and 12 was present. Following the session, the therapist and parent(s) completed questionnaires while one of the children (aged 4-12) was interviewed. Session recordings were coded, minute-by-minute, for participant talk time, visual aids or props used, and therapy technique type (e.g., play-based/activity vs. talk-only techniques). Hierarchical regression and canonical correlational analyses revealed evidence supporting the theory that play-based techniques promote young children's participation, enhance the quality of the child-therapist relationship, and build positive emotional experiences in family therapy.

Prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder and determination of its relationship with everyday functioning in children and adolescents by using generalized estimating equations

“…Play therapy might help establish positive and cheerful emotions by having individuals play together to alleviate stress (Willis et al . , ) and thereby prevent development of PTSD.…”

Editor's Annual Report: 2014–2015

“…Moreover, when our nominees include a new scholar (i.e., a graduate student or author who graduated within the past 5 years), we also consider giving an “Emerging Scholar” award. As it turns out, we are pleased to award two Emerging Scholar awards for 2014, one to Amber Willis and the other to Megan Oka (Oka, Sandberg, Bradford, & Brown, ; Willis, Walters, & Crane, ). There were also two honorable mentions for the 2014 “best article” award: Aponte and Kissil () and Cornett and Bratton ().…”

Editor's Annual Report: 2012–2013

“…Willis, Walters, and Crane (in press) wrote a detailed research paper based on Dr. Willis' dissertation research on play‐based activities, child talk, and single session outcome in family therapy with young children. While the methodology was excellent, the write‐up was a bit long.…”