Creative Activities in Teleplay Therapy with the Teen Brain in Mind


| CYNTHIA ANDERSON, PHD, LPC-S, RPT, CSC & PRISCILLA REYNA-VASQUEZ, PHD, NCC, LPC-S, RPT-S, BC-TMH interests T


he behaviors and biology of teenagers are intertwined, as these years are influenced by marked changes in hormonal and brain development, a desire for independence and autonomy, and an increase in romantic and social (American Academy of Pediatrics


2008). Professionals, practitioners, and parents often struggle with understanding capricious teen behaviors, and meeting the needs of teens with play therapy can be challenging (Bratton et al., 2016; Jensen, 2005). The teen brain craves novelty and excitement, which


24 | PLAYTHERAPY | June 2022 | www.a4pt.org


[AAP], 2020; Giedd,


can lead to unpredictable and risk seeking behaviors (Jensen, 2005). Teens are prone to these impulsive behaviors because the prefrontal cortex of the brain that controls decision making, judgment, and self- control is still developing. The use of creative and expressive activities in teleplay therapy can meet the teen brain’s need for novelty and fun while providing structured engagement with risky behaviors,


thus


play therapists with an understanding of the brain development and the needs of teens are well positioned to support their mental health (Bratton et al., 2016; Hudspeth & Matthews, 2016; Hull, 2021; Romeo,


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44