Finally, Lund et al. (2002) recommended non-directive techniques to describe what the child is doing and ask questions about the family. Additionally, Landreth (2012) discussed the concept of the child’s hour where the child can dictate what is said and done for the session. This elicits cooperation because it allows the child to feel in control. Landreth (2012) especially recommended this for children with anxiety.


Helping Anxious Children in Family


Play Therapy For the anxious child, there are several advantages of combining play and family therapy. Lund et al. (2002) suggested that teamwork  the family’s problem, and that using play will help reduce the child’s anxiety about beginning family therapy. Disclosing secrets in family therapy also may diminish anxious tension, as well as addressing presenting problems and symptoms of anxiety more directly with the family (Lund et al., 2002). Anxiety disorders are one of the most prominent mood disorders in children (Kaslow, Broth, Smith, & Collins, 2012), and Keith and Whitaker (1981) advanced that family therapy will help anxious children by enhancing their developmental and communication skills within the family.


Several different anxiety disorders manifest in children, such


as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress        


Eliana Gil


anxiety disorder. Understanding more about the different symptoms of anxiety disorders will help play therapists better recognize           or his or her parent(s) in consultation or through themes and behaviors exhibited in the child’s play. Most of these disorders begin in childhood, and they comprise emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms (Pinsof & Estrada, 1995). Recognizing anxiety symptoms may help play therapists adjust their techniques, way of being, or their expectations about how to receive the child in family play therapy.


Addressing Children’s Anxiety Symptoms in in children


Family Play Therapy Emotional symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder


include constant worrying, feeling like the anxiety is uncontrollable, and an exhibiting an inability to cope with uncertainty. Some examples in play and family therapy include exhibiting pleasing behaviors and insisting on having the parent’s or therapist’s opinion on their work (e.g., whether it is “good” or “pretty”) or for whom tracking seems to be marginally accepted. The latter is interesting because returning responsibility to the child initially may raise the child’s anxiety related to uncertainty. By adjusting therapy techniques and having parents encourage the child’s process, without commenting on outcome, 


STARBRIGHT TRAINING INSTITUTE for child & family play therapy


UPCOMING 2018 STI WORKSHOPS


March 2-3: Play Therapy 101: Basic Principles and Theories of Play Therapy Andrea McLeod, LCSW, RPT-S


March 10: Technological Advances, Considerations, and Ethics in Play Therapy


Rachel A. Altvater, Psy.D., LCPC, RPT


March 17: The Use of Play Therapy for Assessing and Treating LBGT Children and their Families Quinn Smelser, LPC, RPT


March 18-20: Integrating Sand Therapy within a Play Therapy Practice: Theory & Application Eliana Gil, Ph.D., RPT-S


April 13-14: Advanced Clinical Consultation of Sand Therapy Integrated with Play Therapy Eliana Gil, Ph.D., RPT-S and Dee Preston Dillon, Ph.D.


April 16-20: THERAPLAY: LEVEL 1 www.theraplay.org


April 21-22: Integrating Mind-Body Skills into Your Life and Your Therapy Practice: A Skills-Based Training for Mental Health Professionals Robin Carnes, CYT


May 4-5: Play Therapy in the School Setting Andrea McLeod, LCSW, RPT-S


May 11-12: Trauma-Focused Integrated Play Therapy Myriam Goldin, LCSW


May 25-26: The Neurobiology of Trauma and the Use of Play Therapy for Assessment and Treatment Jennifer Shaw, Psy.D.


June 1-2: Play Therapy for Relational Treatment of Children on the Autism Spectrum Jodi Cobb, Ph.D., LMFT


Info at www.starbrighttraininginstitute.com APT Approved Provider 96-029. STI maintains responsibility for the program.


www.a4pt.org | March 2018 | PLAYTHERAPY | 19


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