Therapists’ perceptions of the reality play therapy model.

Abstract

Recently a 6-week reality play therapy (RePT) model was developed for use with clients ages 7-14. RePT utilizes directive activities by integrating play and reality therapy techniques. In this study, we provided a 2-hr training on the RePT model with 24 participants in the mental health profession. At the end of the training, participants shared their perceptions of the RePT model, rated their confidence in utilizing activities from RePT, and rated the likelihood that they would utilize these interventions with child and young adolescent clients. Overall, participants reported confidence in utilizing most aspects of the RePT model and were more likely to implement the RePT activities that they felt most confident about after the training. Based on participants' feedback, suggestions for revising and expanding the RePT model are provided, along with suggestions for future research with the RePT model.

Group reality play therapy.

“…As previously mentioned, one of the major tenets of RT is allowing the clients to explore their choices utilizing WDEP. Stutey, Klein, Wubbolding, & Dunnigan, 2019; Stutey & Wubbolding, 2018 suggested that a playful way to engage children and adolescents is with sand. School counselors not trained in sandtray therapy can utilize playful techniques with sand but would be advised to receive further training and supervision on the underlying principles of sandtray therapy.…”

“…These five basic needs include fun or enjoyment, freedom or independence, power or inner control, love and belonging, and survival or self-preservation. With RePT, Stutey et al, 2019; Stutey & Wubbolding, 2018 suggested using art to help children and adolescents explore each of the five basic needs. We encourage play therapists to read the original and revised RePT model to learn about additional creative ways to explore the five basic needs with youth, especially those experiencing any type of trauma that may prevent basic needs from being met.…”

“…For this activity, Stutey et al, 2019; Stutey & Wubbolding, 2018 suggested having youth build their quality world with building blocks and figurines. At the beginning of Session 5, have the youth close their eyes and spend a minute picturing their world and everything in it.…”

“…In RT, one of the premises is that humans have control and can choose how they think and act, so this is also the emphasis in RePT. Stutey et al, 2019; Stutey & Wubbolding, 2018 suggested using puppets to explore children and adolescents’ total behavior. Youth could create their own puppets out of lunch bags, socks, or even popsicle sticks.…”