Play therapy for multicultural populations: Guidelines for mental health professionals.

Abstract

This article describes methods and techniques of play therapy for use with multicultural and diverse populations. Barriers to counseling multicultural children and Eurocentric play therapy techniques with multicultural populations are highlighted. Specific guidelines and examples for play therapy with multicultural children are provided. Recommendations and implications for mental health professionals are discussed.The alternative perspectives of children from differing racial and ethnic backgrounds present a challenge to counselors than can no longer be ignored. Today, issues of multicultural differences are encountered on a regular basis. The demographics imperative, or the 'colorization', of the United States by the year 2010 mandates that counselors can no longer be what is referred to as "culturally encapsulated" (Wrenn, 1962). In order to deal more effectively with and understand different cultures, mental health professionals must develop their own cultural identities and become aware of their own biases. This self-awareness, in combination with a commitment to play therapy, must be coupled with effective intervention.This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.

Multicultural considerations in graduate play therapy courses.

“…Although research suggests differences in children across cultures regarding their emotions and behaviors (Chen & Eisenberg, 2012), little has been published on multicultural issues specifically in play therapy. Issues of multicultural differences are a regular component of play therapy (Coleman, Parmer, & Barker, 1993). Self-awareness regarding cultural beliefs and values in addition to a dedication to the field of play therapy will only help further This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.…”

“…Though Coleman et al (1993) identified guidelines for working with children from diverse populations; few publications address multicultural competencies necessary for the training of developing play therapists (Ritter & Chang, 2002). Penn and Post (2012) conducted a national survey of 510 APT members investigating their self-reported multicultural competencies.…”

Addressing Diversity Issues in Play Therapy.

“…These guidelines operationalize the previously presented concepts of awareness, scientific minded-ness, dynamic sizing, and culture-specific knowledge. The following suggestions were synthesized from several sources including the Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (1988), Coleman et al (1993), and Paniagua (1994) and Vraniak and Pickett (1993) as each was summarized in Thomas and Cobb (1999). Suggestions on how teachers can respect children's home languages and cultures made by Garcia (2003) were also incorporated.…”

“…The child and parents on the other hand may be quite satisfied with a spiritual explanation that attributes the behavior to the child being of “two minds” and existing comfortably between traditional male and female thinking and roles. Further, North American First Peoples emphasize the here and now; “time-consciousness does not go by the clock in traditional Native American Culture … the right time occurs when one is ready” (Axelson, 1993, p. 71, as quoted in Coleman, Parmer, & Barker, 1993).…”

“…“Therapists who work with multicultural populations should actively seek opportunities for interaction with these groups outside the counseling situation . Attending churches, cathedrals, synagogues, temples, and so forth; visiting ethnic community centers; viewing movies and theater productions that explore different cultural experiences; participating in educational activities; … and eating in ethnic restaurants are but a few of the many opportunities … [play therapists] may become involved in to gain a better understanding of other cultures” (Coleman et al, 1993, p. 71, italicized material added). Play therapists should also be aware of social and community supports to which the client can be referred (e.g., social service agencies and religious organizations).…”