Child-Centered Play Therapists' Experiences of Conducting Group Play Therapy in Elementary Schools
Date
2019-07-31
Authors
Blalock, Sarah
Lindo, Natalya
Haiyasoso, Maria
Morman, Molly
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
Child-Centered Group Play Therapy (CCGPT) has been shown to be an effective, developmentally appropriate, and efficient mental health treatment for young children. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore six play therapists’ perceptions of conducting CCGPT in four elementary schools. Three overarching themes emerged from the data: Internal Responses During Clinical Experiences, Perception of CCGPT (subthemes: Benefits, Challenges, Comparison to Individual PT), and Observed Change (subthemes: Client Change, Shift in Therapist Perception of CCGPT). Results support the use of CCGPT in schools and highlight the need for counselor training in CCGPT.
Description
Keywords
child-centered group play therapy, phenomenology, play therapist experiences, qualitative research, school-based mental health interventions, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology
Citation
Blalock, S. M., Lindo, N. A., Haiyasoso, M., & Morman, M. K. (2019). Child-centered play therapists' experiences of conducting group play therapy in elementary schools. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 44(3), pp. 184-203.