Integrating Play Therapy Theories Into Practice

Effects of Integrated Play Therapy on Relationship Satisfaction and Intimacy Within Couples Counseling

“…Play therapy has been practiced for nearly a century, primarily in children’s therapy utilizing many treatment methodologies and theoretical schools of thought and it has gained strength through integration within tradition theories, including Jungian, Gestalt, and Adlerian (Bratton et al, 2005). Even though there is limited resources available to help play therapists become more flexible and integrative (Drewes, Bratton, & Schaefer, 2011), it is important to remember that there are various options of choosing one or more suitable background theories to meet the balance of personal preferences and clients’ needs.…”

Towards semantic clarity in play therapy.

“…Play therapy theories differ in the basic constructs, content and scope of therapeutic goals, the role of the therapist, the role of caregivers, applications, and techniques (Schaefer, 2011a). While there are many theoretical orientations in play therapy, most graduate level programs typically only expose their students to one or two theoretical orientations in depth, due to the con-straints of time and faculty expertise (Drewes, 2011). However, when play therapists operate with more than one theoretical model they expand their therapeutic tool kit.…”

“…With both the prescriptive and integrated models, the play therapist needs to be trained in and competent in several theoretical approaches (Drewes, 2011); however being prescriptive and being integrative are not the same. While it is incumbent upon play therapists to gain knowledge and competence in more than one play therapy approach (Gil et al, 2014) or ethically refer the client to another therapist, we must continuously seek clarity in our own theoretical understandings when communicating about our play therapy treatment choices to others.…”

Play Therapy Research: Issues for 21st Century Progress

“…In Schaefer's proposal, the therapeutic powers of play are the means through which therapeutic gain ensues. These powers, or change mechanisms, achieve optimal therapeutic benefit when paired with the causative agents underlying the child's difficulties (Drewes, 2011;Schaefer & Drewes, 2009). The authors postulate that the specific therapeutic powers of play are most beneficial when they target specific presenting issues and involve the blending of different models and treatments.…”

“…Nevertheless, there is now a more firmly developed research base, a wave of emerging rigorous research, and, perhaps most importantly, greater consensus to move toward the use of mainstream research practices. Numerous authors now agree that highly powered RCTs, as well as process-focused research is needed (Baggerly, 2010;Baggerly & Bratton, 2010;Drewes, 2011;Schaefer & Drewes, 2009).…”