Psychoanalytic Approach In Play Therapy

guilt in to objects can be explained further with psychoanalytic approach. As the father of psychoanalyses, Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) believed that people can be treated by bringing their unconscious thoughts and motivation in to the conscious mind, thus gaining insight (https://www.simplypsychology.org/psychoanalysis.html). Therefore psychoanalysis approach in play therapy is based on the assumption, through unconstrained play, that children will either consciously or unconsciously display troubles or developmental shortcomings that are otherwise difficult to identify.

As the first person to formally treat children with psychoanalysis approach in play therapy, Hermine von Hug-Hellmuth (1920) has stated that children’s difficulties much

This can be done allowing the child to create a puppet show. As puppets serve a vital role in play therapy children are able to easily project their feelings and thoughts on to puppets (http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~drbryce/Play%20Therapy%20Techniques.pdf). This game which was created by Carolyn J. Narcavage, will allow the child to overcome resistance while engaging in the game (Kaduson & Schaefer, 1997). Using puppets to express their inner feelings will create a symbolic client in the therapeutic environment. This would help to remove therapist’s focus on the child where child’s comfort level will increase and allow the child to stay at a safe emotional distance

When a child is having low self esteem or self confidence he or she will think they are capable of nothing(http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/wellbeing/a25866/how-to-overcome-low-self-esteem/). The power animal technique: internalizing a positive symbol of strength is a game which uses in play therapy for children with low self esteem, ineffective problem-solving skills, and difficult relationships with peers and adults (http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~drbryce/Play%20Therapy%20Techniques.pdf). Deborah A. Hickey has created this game to provide children with an imaginative and enjoyable method of internalizing their own strengths (Kaduson, H. G., & Schaefer, C. (Eds.). (2001). For children with low self esteem it is often difficult to articulate what strengths they have and what attributes would help them cope more effectively (http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~drbryce/Play%20Therapy%20Techniques.pdf). Therefore this play therapy technique will contribute the child with independency where the child will be guided on how to find their own strengths.

There are more play therapy techniques that used to help children with emotional problems, ADHD, autism, behavioural problems etc. There are many advantageous gained by this therapy for those children with various difficulties as mentioned above.