Research Indicates That Play Supports Health for


People of All Ages  the human lifespan and plays a central role in our emotional well-being.   crucial to realize that brain development is impeded without it, which is a threat to basic survival.


 depression, decreased self-regulation, and even increased violent and aggressive behaviors. He urged people, including policy makers “to see   this perspective, play is essential for individual, public and societal health, and it is necessary for children and adults alike.


Although there is strong body of evidence that supports the idea that      throughout the lifespan, there appears to be a growing interest in using play therapy with other populations. Additionally, emerging research  


Play Therapy with Adults Since play is an innate part of being human, the need for play does not cease as we enter adulthood. Charles Shaefer recognized the importance for adults to have opportunities to play over 20 years   Play has the potential to utilize the entire brain, engage the physical body, allow for non-verbal expression, and create opportunities for  especially important if a therapist is seeking a bottom-up approach  found Integrative Play Therapy was an effective intervention while treating an adult client with complex trauma. This case study noted that


the shared experience of play helped build the therapeutic


relationship between client and therapist. In addition, the author urged therapists to be open to using play with adult clients in their work.


Case Example  pandemic. She was a post-partum client who had given birth soon after lockdown was implemented in many American cities. She felt overwhelmed by school being shut down, felt inadequate while trying  caring for her new baby. The therapist and client agreed that meeting  desire to meet in-person for sessions, while keeping her anxiety about contracting Covid at a low level.


26 | PLAYTHERAPY | December 2022 | www.a4pt.org


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