Benefits and Challenges of Play Therapy

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Recommended: Reflection paper: the importance of play in child development

Play is a way for children to learn about their environment and how interaction occurs within. It is through trial and error that children are able to create options; follow their own interests and show “independence in thought and actions” using their knowledge and understanding (Moyles, 2005, p.3). Children develop resilience though play. However for a number of children can experience stressful occurrences during their lives and play can often be restricted. Therefore the play worker’s role in supporting children’s play is a crucial measure towards children's development. For those that work with children require the dexterity to prompt and contribute to children’s play, which can be seen as a principle aspect of therapeutic alliance. However, for those children mentioned above, what happens when play becomes non-existent or deprived, then how do these children engage in play? Whilst this has been a continuous discussion amongst practitioners as well as researchers in the field of child development, this essay will “evaluate some of the benefits and challenges of developing play/leisure activities” of therapeutic play, along with identifying how play serves its purpose in regards to children’s holistic and play development. In addition, using a therapeutic alliance this essay will accentuate how the therapist can support children’s play, promoting and expanding the child’s play through implementing activities in a child centred-play/directive approach. For all living beings play is an instinctive biological disposition, which helps to facilitate and enrich children’s overall development. As well as play being beneficial in assisting individual lives, many theorists as well as researchers have shown play to form a fundamenta... ... middle of paper ... ...r, S and Maudsley, M. (2006) Play, naturally. [Online]. [Cited 6TH April 2011] available at: http://www.playday.org.uk/PDF/play-naturally-a-review-of-childrens-natural%20play.pdf Lindon, J. (2001) Understanding children’s play Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes. Lowenfield, M. (1935) Play in childhood. London: Victor Gollancz. MaMahon, L. (2009) Play therapy (2nd ed.) New York: Routledge. Moyles, J. (2005) The excellence of play (2nd ed.) Maidenhead: Open University Press Piaget, J. and Inhelder, B. (1969) The Psychology of the Child. London: Routledge. Porter, L, M., Hernandez, M and Jessee, P. (2007) Play Therapy: a review Journal* Redgrave, K. (2000) Care- therapy for children New York: Continuum. Tharp, R. G., & Gallimore, R. (1988). Rousing minds to life: Teaching, learning, and schooling in social context. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

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