Play Therapy and Development Lecture Review

A collection of flashcards covering developmental stages, legal ethics in counseling, play therapy theories (CCPT, Adlerian, SFPT), and Garry Landreth's philosophies based on the provided lecture notes and book.

According to Mildred Parten, what is Unoccupied Play and when does it emerge?

It emerges at birth, is the main form of play for the first $2$ years of life, and consists of sensory activities lacking focus, narrative, or social interaction.

What characterizes Solitary Play in Parten’s stages?

Children play alone and independently, indifferent to others, allowing them to explore the world at their own pace and develop self-sufficiency.

At what age does Onlooker Play typically emerge?

Between $2 \frac{1}{2}$ and $3 \frac{1}{2}$ years of age.

What is a key characteristic of Onlooker Play?

Children observe others playing and may sit within earshot of conversations, but they withhold from joining due to fear, disinterest, or hesitation.

What defines Parallel Play and when does it emerge?

Emerging between $3 \frac{1}{2}$ and $4$ years, children play alongside each other mimicking actions, such as building separate block towers next to one another, without direct interaction.

When does Associative Play emerge and what does it involve?

It emerges between $4$ and $4 \frac{1}{2}$ years and involves social interaction without organization or cooperation, such as children playing dress-up together without assigned roles.

What defines Cooperative Play and when does it emerge?

Emerging at $4 \frac{1}{2}$ years, it involves organized play with shared roles, rules, objectives, and skills like negotiating and taking leadership.

What process causes circuits and connections in the brain that are used less often to fade away?

Pruning.

How is play described as a medium of communication for children?

It is recognized as their natural medium of communication, allowing them to ‘play out’ experiences and feelings as a dynamic and self-healing process.

What are the overall tasks of Infant Development (Birth-$12$ months)?

Develop attachments, gradually gain control over motor skills, and begin to regulate arousal and affect.

Which stage of play is associated with Toddler Development ($12$ to $36$ months)?

Parallel Play.

What is the worldview transition during Preschool Development ($3$ to $6$ years)?

A transition from an egocentric worldview to a reality-based view.

What are the play characteristics of Middle-Childhood Development ($6$ to $11$ or $12$ years)?

Cooperative Play in small groups with children of the same sex, focused on shared aims and making up rules.

Why do counselors ask for a copy of a divorce decree when working with a minor?

To see who has the legal rights for the child's psychological care.

What is the legal timeframe required to report suspected child abuse or neglect in Texas?

Immediately, or within $24$ hours.

What is the legal penalty in Texas for a professional failing to report child abuse?

It is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $180$ days in jail or a $2000$ dollar fine.

According to ACA A.$2$.D, what must a counselor seek from a minor regarding treatment?

Assent.

What age is a child considered an adult for the purpose of giving their own consent for treatment?

Age $18$.

What information should be discussed with parents regarding confidentiality at the start of therapy?

The counselor will not share all details discussed to preserve the relationship, though parents may have legal access to records.

Under ACA B.$2$, what are the specific limits to confidentiality?

Harm to self or others, abuse or neglect of a child or senior, court orders, police investigations, or licensure investigations.

What does ACA C.$2$ state regarding counselor competence?

Counselors practice only within the boundaries of their competence based on education, training, supervision, credentials, and experience.

According to Plato, what can you discover about a person in an hour of play?

You can discover more than in a year of conversation.

How does the Association for Play Therapy define Play Therapy?

The systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process where trained therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients resolve difficulties and achieve growth.

Which authors made pivotal contributions to play therapy in $1947$, $1959$, and $1991/2002/2012$?

Virginia Axline, Moustakas, and Landreth.

Name three therapeutic mechanisms or 'powers' of play identified by Schaefer and Drawers ($2023$).

Self-expression, stress reduction, and self-efficacy.

On the continuum of play therapy, what is an example of a directive approach?

Cognitive behavioral play therapy (CBPT) or Trauma-focused play therapy.

Which approach sits on the 'Less directive' end of the continuum?

Child-centered play therapy (CCPT).

What is Axline’s principle regarding the child’s ability to solve problems?

Maintain a deep respect for the child’s ability to solve their problems and give the child the opportunity to do so.

What is one of the 'Don'ts' listed for Child-centered play therapy?

Don't name the toy or ask leading questions.

How should a CCPT therapist handle praise according to the 'Dos and Don’ts'?

Don’t praise the child; instead, use phrases like 'you’re proud you did that on your own.'

In play therapy, what is the purpose of 'Aggressive release' toys like Bobo dolls or toy soldiers?

To allow the safe expression of anger, power, control, and feelings of fear.

What are examples of 'Real life' toys needed for the playroom?

Dollhouse, dolls, puppets, kitchen set, cash register, and cars.

What body posture helps create a therapeutic environment for a child?

Leaning forward and maintaining an open body posture.

How should a therapist's tone of voice be used effectively?

Match the tone to the child’s tone and use empathy; avoid high-pitched or monotone delivery.

What standardized opening statement is used to structure the session?

'(Child’s name), this is our playroom. This is a place where you can play with the toys in a lot of the ways you’d like to.'

Provide a response that reflects content when a child says 'The baby is sleeping now.'

'You’re helping the baby sleep.'

What is a therapeutic response to facilitate decision-making when a child asks what to do?

'In here, you can decide.'

What do the letters in the 'ACT' limit-setting model stand for?

A- Acknowledge feelings/wishes; C- Communicate the limit; T- Target acceptable alternative.

Who is the primary figure associated with Adlerian Play Therapy?

Terry Koltman.

What are the four 'Crucial Cs' explored in Adlerian Play Therapy?

Courage, Connect, Capable, and Count.

What are the four phases of Adlerian Play Therapy?

$1$. Building an Egalitarian Relationship; $2$. Exploring the Child’s Lifestyle; $3$. Helping the Child Gain Insight; $4$. Reorientation/Re-education.

Define the 'Social interest/social embeddedness' concept in Individual Psychology.

The belief that people have an innate desire to connect and belong.

According to Adlerian concepts, what is 'Lifestyle'?

A unique and creative approach to life and belonging based on subjective interpretations and evaluations of self-worth.

In Adlerian priorities, what does a child with a 'Superiority' priority most want to avoid?

Feeling inadequate, incompetent, or meaningless.

Who developed Solution-Focused Play Therapy (SFPT)?

Insoo Kim Berg and Therese Steiner.

What is the 'Miracle Question' technique in SFPT?

Asking the child to 'Create a scene in the sandtray of what would happen if a miracle happened and the problem didn’t exist.'

What are the components of 'Well-Formed Goals' in SFPT?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely (SMART).

How does 'Play Scaling' work in SFPT?

The child rates themselves on a scale of $0-10$ regarding a goal, and the therapist asks what they did to get to that number.

In Garry Landreth's philosophy, what is more important than technique?

The relationship.

What does Landreth mean by 'Toys are children's words'?

Play is the child's natural language, and toys allow them to express experiences and emotions they cannot verbalize.

In symbolic play, what might a 'Monster' represent?

Fear.

What was David Levy’s contribution to the history of play therapy?

He developed Release Therapy, where children reenacted traumatic experiences to reduce distress.

How did Melanie Klein view children's play?

She believed play was equivalent to 'free association' in adults and interpreted symbolic meanings.

What are Landreth’s 'Popcorn vs. Molasses' analogies referring to?

Popcorn children change quickly and express emotions easily, while Molasses children change slowly and require more patience to build trust.

Which therapist qualities did Landreth adapt from Carl Rogers?

Congruence (genuineness), Unconditional Positive Regard (acceptance), and Empathy.

What is 'Self-Actualization' in the context of Child-Centered Play Therapy?

The innate tendency of every child to move toward growth, competence, and emotional health in an accepting environment.

What is the purpose of 'Returning Responsibility' to a child?

To help children develop confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills by allowing them to figure things out for themselves.

How should a therapist respond to a 'Manipulative Play' transcript according to Landreth?

Use calmness, consistency, empathy, and firm boundaries.

What is the primary reason the playroom should be consistent and organized?

Consistency helps children feel secure and predictable environments foster safety.

According to Chapter $10$, what types of toys should be avoided in play therapy?

Toys that require complicated rules, have only one correct use, or distract from emotional expression.

What are the three essential therapist qualities for facilitating growth?

Congruence, Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathy.

Why does Landreth discourage excessive questioning of children?

Talking alone limits expression for children who think concretely; observing and reflecting keeps the focus on their lived experience.

In the Adlerian stage of building a relationship, what does 'demystifying the counseling process' look like?

Sharing power with the child, such as saying, 'In here, sometimes you get to be the boss and sometimes I get to be the boss.'

What is a 'Tote Bag Playroom'?

A portable kit of essential play materials used by therapists who travel to schools, hospitals, or homes.

What should the therapist ask the parent during the initial interview?

Family relationships, developmental history, presenting concerns, school performance, strengths, and stressors.

What is the 'Not-knowing' position in SFPT?

Listening intently to the client and allowing them to lead without the therapist imposing a diagnosis or expertise.

What are the results of children experiencing safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship?

They learn to trust themselves, express emotions safely, and accept responsibility.

How should a therapist respond to the 'Dependent Darrell' case to promote independence?

By consistently returning responsibility to the child.

What is the significance of the child's 'Self-Concept' in CCPT?

It is the set of beliefs children develop about themselves, which improves when they experience acceptance and respect.

According to the transcript, what is the most natural and self-healing process in which children can engage?

'Playing out' their experiences and feelings.