My approach is tailored according to the age and needs of the child and challenges faced. I use a combination of a child-centred, non-directive approach as well as a more directive (Gestalt) approach, tailored according to the needs of the child. However, I primarily aim to establish trust with the child, so my approach is generally very non-threatening and allows the child freedom to explore and “lead” the play therapy process at their own pace.

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My therapeutic approach is based on both Virginia Axline and Carl Roger’s principals. Axline was a psychologist and one of the pioneers in the use of play therapy. In 1964, she published “Dibs: In Search of Self” which chronicled her therapeutic relationship with a five-year old boy, Dibs. He appeared to be withdrawn and uncommunicative and his parents suspected he had severe mental retardation or autism. Through several months of play therapy, he was able to heal himself.

 

Axline based her work on Carl Rogers’ person-centred approach. His approach is founded on 3 basic principles:

1. The therapist is congruent with the client.

2. The therapist provides the client with unconditional positive regard.

3. The therapist shows empathic understanding to the client.

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My work is aligned with Carl-Roger’s person-centred approach as well as Axline’s eight core principles, namely:

• The therapist should build a trusting relationship and good rapport with the client as soon as possible by being warm and friendly.

• The therapist should accept the child “for what they are, just as they are”. (This is based on a principle that Rogers’ termed “unconditional positive regard”).

• The therapist should establish a feeling of permission in the relationship so that the child feels free to express his or her feelings completely.   

• The therapist is sensitive towards the client’s feelings and reflects those back to the client in such a way that the client is better able to make sense of their own behaviour.

• Recognises that it is the child’s responsibility to make their own choices and harness change.  The child has the ability to solve his/her own problems and allows the child the opportunity to do so and thus maintaining a deep respect for the child.

• Allows the client to lead the therapy, without directing the child.

• Allows the therapy to happen gradually and does not hurry the process in any way.

• Anchors the therapy to real life by putting in place only those limitations that are necessary to make the child aware of his responsibility in the relationship