is a way to get out of our own minds and create without the pressure
Using the ETC framework, art projects have the therapeutic intent of starting with sensory involvement to promote regulation, for example creating a safe place. We then move to expressive body-based projects like the painting activity referenced above, as well as projective or symbolic creations which may include more meaning making, cognitive processing, and integration such as mask-making to represent inside
Machetes and Other Challenges Creating a regulating and healing camp environment with ample needs comes with its own challenges. The sweltering heat and unrelenting Texas sun can quickly narrow one’s window of tolerance While full of metaphor, the wild Texas landscape often feels like a stinging bull nettle, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and scorpions.
Without
keen attunement, dehydration, dysregulation, and overheating can quickly escalate behaviors and impact group cohesion and safety. Moment by moment, therapists assess the needs of the campers, guiding activities based on sensory or regulation needs. These needs must be met so that the child can effectively relate to others or make
Facilitative responses from play therapy are a strengths-based way to respond to challenging behaviors at camp. For example, a camper who resides in a rural area where hunting and outdoor activities are common brought a machete to camp.
than two thirds of children report experiencing a traumatic event by age 16 in the United States. The need for diverse therapeutic programming has increased in recent years as a national state of Now more than ever children need connection, experiences in nature, and trauma-informed, non-punitive practices to address the needs underlying behaviors, as well as our universal need to be seen, heard, and believed.
References Trauma. https://www.
apa.org/topics/trauma AACAP-CHA Declaration of a National Emergency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
https://www.aap.org/en/advocacy/child-and-adolescent-
healthy-mental-development/aap-aacap-cha-declaration-of-a- national-emergency-in-child-and-adolescent-mental-health/
of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 26, , 1-10.
Advanced sandtray therapy: Digging
The camper’s intention
with the machete was to use it as a tool to cut down branches and grasses. Since this camper was not a danger to themselves or others,
camp. We can work together to stay safe on the trails. Do you want
In another setting, the camper may have been punished or expelled. However, research demonstrates that these types of punitive zero tolerance policies lead to a variety of harmful outcomes including increases in involvement with the criminal justice system, dropout rates, substance use, and disproportianately impact Latinx and Black With supportive limit setting the camper was able to stay at camp for
An African proverb speaks to this profound human need to be seen
UNIQUE & UNUSUAL HANDMADE VINTAGE MINIATURES
susanfalck@hotmail.com
suzysellssandtrayminiatures.com
www.a4pt.org | September 2023 | PLAYTHERAPY | 13
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