Counseling Children and Adolescents
Play therapy is one of the most common counseling modalities with children; yet many researchers and practitioners are skeptical about its effectiveness. In this discussion, we will analyze the importance of research and evaluation of play therapy.
Begin by reading this article, The Future of Play Therapy: Elevating Credibility Through Play Therapy Research, published in a special issue of the International Journal of Play Therapy.
Main Response
Now, develop a main response in which you address the following:
Why is it important to have research data supporting the effectiveness of mental health interventions with children?
What are some of the challenges to researching play therapy?
What can researchers do to advance research about play therapy effectiveness?
Do your own research of scholarly sources to find data (since published 2010 or later) about play therapy effectiveness.
Summarize the findings of at least two relevant research studies.
Readings
Counseling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents: Chapter 4
Play Therapy with Children and Adolescents in Crisis: Chapters 3 and 12
Urquiza, A. J. (2010). The future of play therapy: Elevating credibility through play therapy research. International Journal of Play Theapy, 19(1), 4-12.
In addition to these readings, please view Adlerian Play Therapy with Terry Kottman.