| Play therapy is increasing in popularity as a treatment | | | | appeals to different races, then look at the "black" |
| tool. Search the internet and you will find loads of | | | | dolls, or the "hispanic dolls". The implication is that if |
| toys for the treatment provider. Most sell products | | | | one plays with a doll associated with one's race, then |
| and toys with no explanation as to how to apply the | | | | that will be more effective than a doll that doesn't. I |
| tools. Purchase a family of dolls without gender | | | | say there is tremendous need for toys that |
| allowing the treatment provider to identify the | | | | transform issues of race or gender, while recognizing |
| gender. All based on a model that says that it's | | | | race and gender. The skill needed to apply toys in |
| important to allow the therapist to help the client | | | | clinical practice is dependent upon the skills of the |
| identify the toys the way the child wants to view | | | | treatment provider. So many of these toys are sold |
| them. The debate continues as to whether or not | | | | without out skill based manuals. |
| treatment is directive or reflective. Direct treatment | | | | They frequently ignore processes of which the toy is |
| processes often take an active approach to | | | | intended. I developed a play therapy technique, for |
| treatment. | | | | treatment providers that is both innovative and |
| The reflective approach allows the client to lead the | | | | creative in it's application. One search on the internet |
| sessions, and the treatment provider acts as a mirror | | | | demonstrated many replications, and variations since |
| for how the client wants to proceed in treatment. | | | | it's origination. However the training to apply the tool |
| The majority of models ignore the family system, | | | | is missing. A toy can be sold as an innovative play |
| focusing solely on the child. After all, the assumption | | | | therapy technique, but without training in it's |
| is that play only works with children. It certainly | | | | application it might as well be a toy sitting on the |
| doesn't apply with adults, or men. Need a tool that | | | | shelf, and there are a zillion toys sitting on shelves. |