Play Therapy and Counselling Work with Children

Abstract

Occupational therapists are increasingly being asked to carry out individual therapeutic work with emotionally disturbed children. The concepts underlying a psychodynamic approach to this type of work are outlined. The need for careful preparation of the framework and setting, how to begin talking with the child and what toys to provide are discussed. The first two sessions of work with a 2½-year-old boy give an opportunity to see how the occupational therapist relates to the feelings communicated by his or her patient. A 12-year-old girl's therapy is described in its later stages, with attention paid to the planning of endings. The occupational therapist's role and level of therapy are distinguished from the work of a child psychotherapist, and the need for training and continuing supervision is stressed.