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Walden University *

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Sociology

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Jan 9, 2024

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1 Analyzing Play Therapy for Adolescents Sonia L. Caldwell Barbara Solomon School of Social Work, Walden University SOCW 6111: Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice I Dr. Laura Taylor October 22, 2023
2 Analyzing Play Therapy for Adolescents Introduction: Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes play and creative expression as a means of helping individuals, including adolescents, address emotional and psychological challenges. This paper aims to analyze the reasons for selecting play therapy as an intervention, its potential benefits when used with adolescents, and the challenges and limitations associated with this approach. Selection of Play Therapy: Play therapy was chosen as an intervention due to its adaptability and efficacy in addressing the unique emotional and psychological needs of adolescents. Adolescence is a period of significant emotional and cognitive development, and adolescents often find it challenging to express and process their feelings verbally. Play therapy provides a non-threatening and non- directive medium for adolescents to communicate their inner thoughts and emotions (Koukourikos et al., 2021). It can help them explore and understand their feelings, develop coping strategies, and work through issues they may be facing (Koukourikos et al., 2021). Benefits of Play Therapy for Adolescents: Play therapy offers numerous advantages for adolescents. Firstly, it is developmentally appropriate, suiting the transitional phase of adolescence, allowing them to express emotions in line with their cognitive and emotional development (Koukourikos et al., 2021). Secondly, play therapy fosters engagement and builds rapport, as adolescents find it less clinical and intimidating (Koukourikos et al., 2021). This approach promotes trust between the therapist and the adolescent, facilitating the therapeutic process. Moreover, play therapy encourages creative expression, providing adolescents with a symbolic platform to process complex emotions,
3 trauma, and stress, using art, games, and storytelling as mediums for exploration. Additionally, it nurtures problem-solving and decision-making skills, equipping adolescents to navigate the challenges of daily life. Lastly, play therapy creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where adolescents can explore their feelings without fear of criticism or negative consequences (Walden, 2022), making it a valuable tool in their emotional and psychological development. Challenges and Limitations: Despite its advantages, play therapy faces certain challenges and limitations when used with adolescents. Initially, skepticism can be a hurdle as adolescents may perceive play therapy as childish or ineffective, necessitating time to build trust in the therapeutic process. Furthermore, while research on the effectiveness of play therapy is growing, it may not be as extensively documented as some other therapeutic approaches, which can pose challenges in terms of evidence-based practice (Parker et al., 2021). Lastly, play therapy can be time- consuming, demanding multiple sessions for significant progress, which may not always align with resource-constrained settings or tight schedules. Conclusion: In conclusion, play therapy is a valuable intervention for adolescents due to its developmental appropriateness, engagement, and ability to facilitate creative expression. However, it may face challenges related to initial skepticism, limited research, potential resistance to verbal communication, and the time investment required. Despite these limitations, play therapy remains a valuable tool for helping adolescents navigate the complex emotions and challenges of adolescence, providing a safe and supportive environment for self-discovery and healing.
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4 References: Koukourikos, K., Tsaloglidou, A., Tzeha, L., Iliadis, C., Frantzana, A., Katsimbeli, A., & Kourkouta, L. (2021). An Overview of Play Therapy. Materia socio-medica, 33 (4), 293– 297. https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2021.33.293-297 . Parker, M. M., Hunnicutt Hollenbaugh, K. M., & Kelly, C. T. (2021). Exploring the impact of child-centered play therapy for children exhibiting behavioral problems: A meta- analysis.  International Journal of Play Therapy 30 (4), 259–271. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000128 Walden University, LLC. (2022). Clinical social work interventions. [Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com