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AN ENLIGHTENED
APPROACH TO COPING WITH CHILDREN'S DIFFICULTIES
The course is unique in integrating both non directive and directive
approaches to play therapy. The programme content is based upon the
theory and practice of humanistic psychology, particularly that of
Virginia Axline ("Dibs In Search of Self"), and Carl Rogers and the
gestalt play therapy approach of Violet Oaklander. It
recognises contributions made by others in the 20th century such as John
Bowlby, Margaret Lowenfeld, Donald Winnicott, Rachel Pinney etc. It also
places importance on the spiritual aspect of human development.
Opportunities for reflection and all forms of creativity enrich the
contents of the course.
The lives of children in the present day are highly regulated and
controlled. Non-directive play therapy offers a child the opportunity of
making choices and taking responsibility for them; expressing
him/herself freely; being accepted unconditionally; having his/her
deepest feelings respected and accepted. For these reasons their play is
not interpreted and no judgements are made.
Such freedoms may only be obtained
by the provision of a strong framework. Therefore the adult takes
responsibility for the safety of the child, themselves and the
environment. Within these constraints, the child has complete freedom to
choose. Time boundaries are also considered to be important thus adding
a sense of security by adhering to beginnings and ends. In this way the
time within a session becomes timeless and the childs imagination is
set free to explore and recreate his/her experiences and to create and
make his/her own world.
There are, however, a number of
cases where the non directive needs to be complemented by other
approaches. For example working with terminally ill, bereaved, autistic
children in organisational settings and short term work.
The main items in the 'Play Therapy
Tool-Kit' are taught and put into practice, |
