POINT
Play Therapists Must Work Within their Scope RICHARD HONEY, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S™
Play therapists play a critical role in supporting children and their families through various challenges, which includes those involved in active litigation.
In fact, play therapists are in a
unique position to advocate for their child clients within the legal system (Sweeney, 2015). Additionally, families currently engaged with the court system present with unique issues and needs, and clients in such situations must have the option to decline taking on these clients.
Most play therapists are underprepared for the complexities of working with clients involved in active litigation (Sullivan & Akay, 2017). When therapists engage with such clients, they may face pressures to become involved in legal processes, such as providing court testimony or producing reports that 2016). Without proper
training, the therapy could become
entangled with legal strategies or concerns, compromising the effectiveness of the treatment, and potentially causing harm to the client (Koocher & Keith-Spiegel, 2016). The ethical guidelines of many professional organizations,
interest, where the therapist's role as a mental health professional might intersect with legal responsibilities (Bernard & Goodyear, 2019). Therapists trained to support clients in litigation are better equipped to navigate these complexities. They can set clear boundaries and help ensure that therapy remains a therapeutic endeavor rather than becoming a battleground for legal disputes (Zur, 2020). They are also more adept at handling the dual roles that might arise, such as being called upon to provide expert testimony, while ensuring that such involvement does not compromise the This separation ensures that therapy remains a space dedicated solely to the client's personal growth and mental health, rather than becoming a tool within a legal framework (Zur, 2020).
including the American
Psychological Association (APA), emphasize the importance of practitioners working within their scope of competency (American Psychological Association, 2017).
the legal context. Clients might seek therapy to support their of therapy and the demands of legal procedures. Furthermore,
The specialized nature of providing therapy concurrent with litigation requires knowledge of legal processes, the impact on clients in legal disputes, referral to specialized therapists who are equipped to handle the unique demands of legal contexts can be a viable solution (Bernard & Goodyear, 2019). By adhering to these ethical guidelines, play therapists ensure they provide the highest standard of care and uphold the integrity of the therapeutic profession.
THE MIDDLE GROUND
Acknowledging Both Sides and Finding a Path Forward LORI PETERSON, LSCSW, LCSW, RPT-S™
Children in Need and custody cases, or those who are engaged with the foster care system, typically include active litigation. Providing play therapy services for children experiencing distressing circumstances is at the heart of our work, and children involved in active litigation are likely experiencing distress.
Play Therapists in Need Healthcare professionals who specialize in work with children experience heightened emotional demand, which can lead to
16 | PLAYTHERAPY September 2024 |
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increased levels of work-related stress and burnout, and lower levels of and excessive demands,” resulting in physical and emotional strain on the therapist. Cases with active litigation stretch the play therapist's resources,
requiring additional time sensitive engagement with
attorneys, case managers, parents and other parties for phone calls, emails, court reports and potential testimony. One way to manage the balance (Winburn et al., 2023). Healthy boundaries can support both the play therapist and the client.
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