Introduction
Directive and non-directive play therapies are critical in managing children’s growth and development. Directive play therapy follows a particular approach and objective that therapists pre-determine. Therapists choose the play location and toys used during the session. However, non-directive play therapy involves a flexible session where the therapist allows the children to take the lead. Children choose the play location and toys during the non-directive play therapy session.
Discussion
The non-directive play therapy draws my attention because it allows children to reveal their attributes. Non-directive play therapy gives children the autonomy to choose the activities they wish to engage in, allowing the therapist to identify the child’s interests. Allowing children to play freely prompts them to exploit the environment and learn from nature (Kottman, 2020). Flexible play therapy is practical in managing children with psychological disorders. The technique allows children to reveal their emotions, intentions, and opinions through play. According to Evans (2020), non-directive play therapy is practical in managing children with anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, and other mental health symptoms. Non-directive play therapy also enhances a child’s self-esteem and expression attributes. The approach allows children to initiate conversations based on their topics of interest, enhancing their confidence. The analysis shows that non-directive play therapy is critical in solving children’s problems, such as mental health, to achieve optimal growth and development.
Conclusion
Although descriptive play therapy allows therapists to achieve specific objectives, non-directive therapy allows children to achieve optimal development. Non-directive therapy prompts children to portray their physical, social, and psychological attributes, which allows therapists to identify challenges that affect the children. The non-directive play therapy is critical because it enhances self-esteem and confidence during children’s growth and development. Therefore, non-directive play therapy is the approach that I am drawn to.
References
Evans, C. (2020). Adlerian play therapy and trauma. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 76(2), 217-228.
Kottman, T. (2020). Adlerian play therapy: A personal and professional journey. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 76(2), 162-175.