

Humanistic Play Therapy
The therapist creates a safe, permissive and accepting environment using Carl Roger's three core conditions of Therapeutic Relationship, Congruence and Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR). Congruence refers to connecting with the child through empathy and meeting them exactly where and as they are. UPR accepts the children as they are, making them feel capable enough to create change within themselves.The TPP are the core agents of change within therapy and are accessible through the purpose of the child's play, meeting the needs they have at that given time. They fall into four main
categories:
Facilitates Communication
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self-expression
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Access to the unconscious
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direct teaching
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indirect teaching
Increases Personal Strengths
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self-regulation
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Creative problem-solving
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resiliency
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Accelerated psychological development
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moral development
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self-esteem
Enhances Social Relationships
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social competence
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empathy
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attachment
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therapeutic relationship
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Fosters Emotional Wellness
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catharsis
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counter-conditioning fears
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abreaction
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positive emotions
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stress inoculation
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stress management
Children will play how they need to at that given time and, therefore, access the TPP they need. Several TPPs may be accessed through the play in a given session, or a single one may be the focus. The therapist will hold space for the child during the session and contain big emotions. Leaving negative feelings or emotions behind in the playroom can help externalise and release them, which is behind the idea of not requiring the child to pack up at the end of the session. Being free to play as needed and not being restricted by creating mess can allow children to process emotions as required.Children will move through the different stages of therapy at their own pace. It can be measured by monitoring themes and shifts in play, which your therapist can discuss in more detail during parent review meetings. Sometimes, concerns or behaviours can worsen before they improve, but rest assured that this is a normal part of the therapy process, and any questions or concerns can be addressed with your child's therapist.The Humanistic Play Therapy sequence involves a parent intake meeting to gather background and understanding of the child, discuss concerns and work with the therapist to create therapeutic goals. The child is then and is introduced to the playroom. Initial assessments may be conducted, including play skills observation/assessment, standardised assessments such as a Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire and other evaluations as the therapist decides. A treatment plan including the initial number andfrequency of play sessions will be organised, and parent feedback sessions will be scheduled to discuss progress and any future sessions.In some cases, pretend play skills may need to be developed before Humanistic Play Therapy can occur and will be addressed by your therapist.