CLINICAL EDITOR’S COMMENTS:
Play therapy holds the potential to grow with the client throughout the lifespan.
P
lay therapy occurs in various settings for all ages, genders, ethnicities, and populations. At the inception of play therapy,
reveal that play therapy is effective throughout the lifespan. The relationship between therapist and client can be built through how play therapy can be appropriate across the lifespan.
Play Therapy with Infants and Toddlers Working with infants and toddlers can be challenging for parents and mental health professionals. Studies indicate that infants, toddlers, and preschoolers may suffer from non-transient mental 2013). In light of children's development and inability to articulate their emotional responses, the importance of parental involvement is foundational within this process. Parents or caretakers are instrumental in developing treatment plans and goals as concerns the child's emotional distress levels. Some play therapy modalities focus on early childhood attachment with caregivers. For example, relation theories, is focused on attachment reparation between the involvement throughout the treatment process strengthens and
Simone is a two-year-old child whose mother has been struggling with postpartum depression. During the intake mom described Simone as displaying symptoms of anxiety, including startling easily, utilized nurturing games and attachment building play such as swinging, rocking, and baby massage to develop attunement between mother and child. Simone now shows improvement in independence, regulation, and has begun sleeping through the night. Mom shows improved understanding of attunement and meeting her toddler's needs.
Play Therapy with Children Play therapy is the premiere therapeutic intervention for children. From birth, children participate in various play behaviors, including child’s natural inclination towards play for learning and growth. Play should be viewed holistically as an essential part of children's social-
At the inception of play
therapy, the primary focus was on children; however, numerous studies reveal that play therapy is effective throughout the lifespan.
A variety of theoretical approaches to play therapy exist as clients is the therapist's responsibility to practice within their scope of training utilizing interventions that are in the client's best interest. Structured and unstructured play, imaginative play, Theraplay, and Child-Centered Play Therapy have all shown promise as interventions to help children with intellectual disabilities improve these settings, therapists permit the child to lead as they cognitively
www.a4pt.org | December 2022 | PLAYTHERAPY | 13
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