Technology in the Playroom

Play therapists’ attitudes toward using technology in the playroom.

“…Results from this study revealed findings comparable with Hull's (2015) and Whelan (2016), which highlights that technology-based interventions can be used as a strategy to build the client-counselor relationship. Similarly, this study found half of the participants expressed that technology might enhance the therapeutic relationship; nearly one-third believed technology would interfere with the development of the therapeutic relationship between client and play therapist.…”

“…

The use of technology such as Internet, cell phones, televisions, and video games is a staple part of many children and adults' lives (Harwood et al, 2011;Hull, 2015; National Association for the Education of Young Children & the Fred Rogers Center, 2012). Professionals disagree about the appropriateness of technology in play therapy settings (e.g., Hull, 2015;Landreth, 2012;Ray, 2012). We surveyed 40 registered play therapists or registered play therapist supervisors to specifically address play therapists' attitudes and experiences using technology in play therapy.

…”

Electronic game play therapy.

“…Self-representation-being aware of the thoughts and feelings of the self and others and learning to take other's perspectives-is the foundation for forming and maintaining relationships. Perspective taking is something that develops in middle to later childhood and is lacking in children who have ASD and other psychological issues, such as trauma from abuse and neglect (Harter, 2016;Hull, 2016). Many children who come to therapy lack a sense of self, and they often suffer from a sense of low self-worth and struggle with perspective taking.…”

“…Players can customize their avatar, and children love doing this. In fact, this can be a powerful part of the initial work of building self-representation and creating a sense of self-awareness for children with neurodevelopmental challenges (Hull, 2016). An avatar "helps individuals create a specific narrative for the character which may represent internal manifestations" (Bean, 2019, p. 98), thus providing the child a representation of self that they can generalize to the real world.…”

“…

Electronic game play therapy is the application of computer, video, and tablet games in helping people overcome psychological and emotional problems (Hull, 2016). Researchers have discovered the benefits of incorporating everyday electronic games into play therapy (Baker, 2019;Hull, 2019;LaFleur et al, 2018) in addition to apps and games designed for specific therapeutic use.

…”