School-Based Play Therapy

Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

I know what play therapy is-CCPT.

I can identify reasons to use play therapy in schools.

I can identify different strategies/tools utilized in play therapy.

I can describe the benefits of using play therapy in the school setting.

What is Play Therapy?

APT...."Initially developed in the turn of the 20th century, today play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children to address and resolve their own problems. Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them (Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development."

Example....

Why Play Therapy vs Other Forms of Therapy

-Relationship

-Child-centered

-Child resolves issues at own pace

-Developmentally appropriate

-Allows for self expression, self actualization

-Emotional regulation

-Empowering

Sandtray Work is Powerful!!!

Caution!!!

Sandtray work is NOT to be taken lightly!

Rules.....(design, techniques, sand, etc.)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sBRyl3RSGGNZwxBFxGgmaFTd3p_Weg2ZO0Qq9BHkKjE/edit#slide=id.g1169cde4654_0_54

Tools Used

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vRcoSj3uVt5Z4KAB9rovvwGu089MedhvMw_sR4CMdqE/edit#slide=id.g1181802ecd4_0_55

-Cash Register

-Kitchen Set

-Dress Up Clothes

-Dolls

-Doctor Kit

-Train Set

-Games

-Cars

Resources & Process

APT: https://www.a4pt.org/

Gary Landreth: https://cpt.unt.edu/

The Art of the Relationship

Eliana Gil: http://www.gilinstitute.com/index.php

Helping Abused and Traumatized Children: Integrating Directive and Non-Directive Approaches

Book-School Based Play Therapy by Athena Drewes & Charles Schaefer

VCU Office of Continuing Education: https://ocpe.vcu.edu/

Direct Link to get to their course: https://ocpe.vcu.edu/playtherapy.html

Application Process:

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.a4pt.org/resource/resmgr/credentials/2020_credentials/sb-rpt_fill_applic_master.pdf

Contact Information

Sara Donaldson, MS SB-RPT

School Counselor

Washington-Henry Elementary School

sdonaldson@hcps.us

804-723-2308