Relational-cultural play therapy: Reestablishing healthy connections with children exposed to trauma in relationships.

Abstract

Children who have experienced trauma in relationships, such as direct physical or sexual abuse, or who have witnessed crimes or domestic violence, often carry forward symptoms of traumatic stress. Children with posttraumatic stress may become with

Community-based counselors’ interventions for elementary school-age children coping with trauma

“…Clinicians reported that children who have experienced trauma benefit from opportunities that naturally occur during counseling that allow the child to re-experience, release, and reorganize through recounting trauma experiences (Gil, 1991;Vicario et al, 2013). Thus, a central tenet of therapy sessions focuses on allowing the child a safe place to re-experience the trauma.…”

“…As such, the child typically directed the nature of play and when the child re-experienced traumatic feelings, the counselor worked with the child to convey a message that he or she was not responsible for the occurrence of these experiences. In order to achieve the release objective, the child needs to understand that the experience occurred in the past (Vicario et al, 2013). Another goal is to assist the child reducing anxiety related to fears of the event(s) recurring.…”

“…A formalized intake procedure is followed utilizing a strength based diagnostic assessment procedure to identify trauma, evaluate level of care the child will need, and determine recommendations for trauma treatment intervention. This intake is used to inform counselors who provide primarily individual therapy sessions based on principles of improving child resilience, fostering recovery, teaching activities to "calm the child" (e.g., calm an over-reactive nervous system and dysregulated emotional responses), and facilitating positive development of social and emotional functioning of the child (e.g., Cozolino, 2010;Ogden & Minton, 2000;Vicario, Tucker, Adcock, & Hudgins-Mitchell, 2013). Additionally, emphasis is placed on the use of play therapy and relational therapy (Axline, 1974;Banks, 2006;Gil, 1991;Landreth, 2012).…”

“…Additionally, emphasis is placed on the use of play therapy and relational therapy (Axline, 1974;Banks, 2006;Gil, 1991;Landreth, 2012). A review of the theoretical framework undergirding the treatment philosophy of the center is presented by Vicario et al (2013). Counselors increase their knowledge on trauma-based interventions through agency trainings, regular supervision sessions, and group meetings featuring case consultations with supervision.…”

Addressing the Needs of Military Children Through Family-Based Play Therapy

“…VanFleet et al (2010) state that the focus of modern play therapy is on supporting the parent-child relationship and on helping parents learn skills that will enhance attachment and decrease children's problem behaviors. Play therapy has been shown to have a positive impact on childhood difficulties ranging from simple anxiety disorders to extreme behavioral issues (Vicario et al 2013). Play therapy has also been successfully applied in a variety of settings and populations (VanFleet et al).…”