Theory Paper
Each theory in play therapy provides the therapist and child with a different experience in sessions and different outcomes at the end of their time together. Ultimately, however, the goal is for the child to improve the quality of their everyday life. Their external and internal relationships with the world and those around them, and to improve their sense of self and their overall functioning. The theories I chose to explore were child-centered, filial, and ecosystems. Each one provides different (yet two are similar) perspectives to the therapeutic process with the child and their parents. In the end, however, each seeks to better the relationships of the child.
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Child-centered play therapy grew from
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It has since been renamed child-relationship enhancement family therapy (CREFT) (Carmichael, 2005, p. 211). CREFT therapists train parents to provide child-centered play therapy with their own children. I chose this theory as the one that intrigues me because I think the idea of giving parents the tools to do what therapists do with them will provide them with excess opportunities to enhance their relationships and connect with their children.
CREFT therapists use a psychoeducational basis that is competency oriented and take on many roles. The therapist teaches the parents how to conduct specialized play sessions and supervises the parents during the sessions. After competency has been reached, the therapist helps the parents provide play sessions in their own home and develop further parenting skills. Filial therapy is most appropriate for children between the ages of 3-12. However, a designated time to focus on the child and their concerns and interests can extend into adolescence. The sessions conducted in home are usually between one parent and one child at a time (Carmichael,
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The parents, with the direct supervision of the therapist, have been acquiring a set of toys for their special play time at home. The minimal list includes a come back toy, a dart gun and darts, doll family, dollhouse, puppet family, baby bottle, bowl of water, container with water, crayons or markers, 6-foot piece of rope, deck of cards, and play money (Carmichael, 2005, p. 215). The parents need to select a place for the sessions that provides enough privacy and room for active play. A clear space about 8 by 10 feet is