The Therapist's Self: Unpacking Landreth's Essential Qualities of Effective Child-Centered Play Therapists

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I dive into the essential personality characteristics of effective play therapists. Drawing from Garry Landreth's book "Innovations in Play Therapy," I discuss the first of Virginia Axline's eight basic principles that guide interactions with children in play therapy.

The first principle: the therapist's genuine interest in the child and the development of a warm, caring relationship. We discuss the importance of emotional maturity, stability, and skill in play therapists, as well as the ongoing process of self-discovery and acceptance.

Finally, I highlight the challenging nature of child-centered play therapy and the significance of "being there" for the child - not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically. This episode serves as a reminder that to effectively help children, we must first understand and work on ourselves.

Episode Reference:
Landreth, G. L. (Ed.). (2001). Innovations in play therapy: Issues, process, and special populations. Brunner-Routledge.

 

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Common References:
Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley.
VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press.
Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.
Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.