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such as “How are the caregivers looking at this experience? What pressures are the caregivers under? What concerns do the caregivers have? What are the caregivers’ ultimate goals?” These questions provide play therapists additional information and understanding that aide in aligning therapeutic goals better with client and caregiver goals. As play therapists gather information regarding family


dynamics, they are gathering knowledge of what families need to work towards healing and growth. This process includes showing consideration for the family’s cultural norms (VanFleet, 2000). This strategy is an excellent way for therapists to gain support from caregivers. Further, cultural


allows them to stay up-to-date on what is going on with their child. As therapists move towards a strengths-based approach, it is necessary to allow families to communicate what they hope for within treatment, as their language and goals are the centerpiece for a collaborative therapeutic relationship (Saleebey, 2008). While addressing concerns of families is a vital step, effectively advocating for play therapy requires therapists to validate the use of play therapy. Therapists must effectively advocate for the


implementation of play therapy by engaging in empirically supported research, as well as educating and communicating with families, judicial bodies, teachers, medical providers, and other therapists on the need and efficacy of play therapy. As therapists continue to advocate for the need of play therapy, a personal responsibility of growth and development must ensue on the part of the therapist (Tarroja et al., 2013). Play therapists can increase competency in the field by engaging in academic coursework and professional development and by accessing relevant scientific articles on play therapy (Fall, Drew, Chute, & More, 2007; Phillips & Landreth, 1995). Furthermore, therapists need to communicate information gained through personal development to other entities within the community to stress the need and importance of play therapy. While therapists universally utilize play therapy to treat a


Therapists focusing on caregivers’ strengths create an evolving environment that leads to growth, strengthens the individual, and aids in developing a collaborative relationship between therapist and caregiver.


background of the client can be a source of pride, thus allowing it to be used as a strength (Saleebey, 2008). Likewise, play therapists need to recognize any stigmas that they have and be able to dispel those stigmas that are barriers to the child-therapist relationship and therapist- caregiver alliance (Fox, 2012). This approach is the therapist’s commitment to the client and caregiver for building trust and respect.


Advocacy According to Tarroja, Catipon, Dey, & Garcia (2013), therapists should work collaboratively with caregivers to address concerns related to the child, to communicate progress in sessions effectively, and to engage them in goal setting for their child. Effective, ongoing communication with caregivers brings caregivers into the treatment process and


20 PLAYTHERAPY | March 2015


multitude of childhood problems with a wide range of populations, research demonstrating the efficacy of play therapy is limited (Urquiza, 2010). However, within the past few years, qualitative and quantitative research related to play therapy has been on the rise (Bratton & Ray, 2000; Bratton, Ray, Rhine, & Jones, 2005). Bratton et al. (2005) found play therapy to be an effective treatment modality for children as it takes developmental needs into consideration. Moreover, researchers found that play therapy influences the behavior, social adjustment, and personality of children. As advocacy continues, ongoing empirical research is crucial for medical professionals, legal professionals, teachers, parents, and other therapists to consider play therapy as an effective mode of treatment.


Playing to Caregivers Strengths Play therapists must not overlook including and utilizing the strengths of the caregivers when working with children in the playroom. Therapists can support caregivers by focusing on their strengths instead of their weaknesses in the caregiver- child relationship. Within a strengths-based perspective, it is important to acknowledge that all individuals have strengths, assets, and capabilities to aide in bringing about change (Saleebey, 2008). Therapists focusing on caregivers’ strengths create an evolving environment that leads to growth, strengthens the individual, and aids in developing a collaborative relationship between therapist and caregiver. Guerney (1964) introduced Filial Therapy as an agent of change that utilizes the strengths of caregivers and


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