Effective parent consultation in play therapy.

Abstract

Effective communication with caregivers can contribute to successful play therapy outcomes. This article examines the structure of parent consultation in play therapy. The components of effective parent consultation are outlined, from the initial phone interview through termination, to provide guidance to play therapists for communicating with caregivers throughout the therapy process.A thorough review of the literature suggests that authors agree on the importance of parent consultation in maximizing the benefits of play therapy (Kottman, 2003;Landreth, 2002;McGuire & McGuire, 2001;Van Fleet, 2000). Much has been written on the concept of parent consultation in various play therapy books; however, a brief consolidation of the important points in the consultation process may be of benefit to play therapists looking to increase their understanding of therapeutic collaboration with caregivers and how communication affects the outcome of the play therapy process.Parent consultation in conjunction with play therapy has been noted to improve the chance of successful treatment (Kottman & Ashby,

Conceptualizing Parent Involvement in Child Therapy: A Framework Roles Using Bernard's Discrimination Model

“…valuing relationships with parents in child counseling settings has been stressed through extensive literature (see Booth & Jernberg, 2010;Cates et al, 2006;Gil, 2011;Guerney, 2003;Kottman, 2011;Kottman & Meany-Walen, 2016;Landreth, 2012;McGuire & McGuire, 2001;Sanders & Burke, 2013;VanFleet, 2009VanFleet, , 2014. These studies emphasize interpersonal processes, such as collaborative relationships, in addition to skills training that should not be neglected for effective parent interventions (Sanders & Burke, 2013).…”

“…Child therapists fulfilling these functions at the position of consultant has frequently been noted in the literature (see Booth & Jernberg, 2010;Cates et al, 2006;Gil, 2011;Guerney, 2003;Kottman, 2011;Kottman & Meany-Walen, 2016;McGuire & McGuire, 2001;Sanders & Burke, 2013;VanFleet, 2009VanFleet, , 2014. One is I just include them [parents and their child] with some of the activities.…”

“…These teaching components offered by child practitioners have been not only constantly discussed (see Booth & Jernberg, 2010;Cates et al, 2006;Gil, 2011;Guerney, 2003;Kottman, 2011;Kottman & Meany-Walen, 2016;McGuire & McGuire, 2001;Sanders & Burke, 2013;VanFleet, 2009VanFleet, , 2014 but have been attributed to effective child counseling results (Thulin, Svirsky, Serlachius, Andersson, & Ost, 2014).…”

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“…This finding indicates that the importance of warm and caring understanding and acceptance delivered by child clinicians toward parents brings attention to the quality of relationships with parents. In fact, valuing relationships with parents in child counseling settings has been stressed through extensive literature (see Booth & Jernberg, 2010;Cates et al, 2006;Gil, 2011;Guerney, 2003;Kottman, 2011;Kottman & Meany-Walen, 2016;Landreth, 2012;McGuire & McGuire, 2001;Sanders & Burke, 2013;VanFleet, 2009VanFleet, , 2014. These studies emphasize interpersonal processes, such as collaborative relationships, in addition to skills training that should not be neglected for effective parent interventions (Sanders & Burke, 2013).…”

Collaborating With Parents to Establish Behavioral Goals in Child-Centered Play Therapy

“…Leading authorities in the field of play therapy recognize that working with parents increases the likelihood of success with children (Cates, Paone, Packman, & Margolis, 2006; Kraft & Landreth, 1998; McNeil, Bahl, & Herschell, 2006; Shaw & Magnuson, 2006). In a national survey of 1,166 play therapists, Phillips and Landreth (1998) found that 78% of respondents believed that the degree of caregiver involvement in the play therapy process contributed to treatment success.…”