What's the Best Way to Identify Themes in Play Therapy Sessions?
Cathi Spooner 
Between crafting therapeutic strategies, understanding complex child behaviors, and countless other skills… What can’t play therapists do?! Discover the art and science of play therapy in today's episode of Next Level Play Therapy.
Today, we're joined by Dr. Jodi Mullen, a pioneer in counseling and psychological services and a distinguished play therapy educator. Dr. Mullen is here to give us the lowdown on the nuances of recognizing themes in play therapy sessions and the impact these insights can have on our therapeutic practice.
Click play NOW to dive deep into the world of play therapy, and be sure to explore Dr. Mullen’s upcoming workshops and resources to enhance your skills.
In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights into developing a nuanced understanding of your young clients through the themes expressed in their play.
Today, I want to share some of the invaluable tips Dr. Mullen offered during our conversation, aimed at helping therapists recognize and utilize themes effectively in play therapy sessions.
1.Understanding the Role of Play Therapy Theoretical Models
Dr. Mullen emphasized the importance of play therapy theoretical models in shaping how therapists perceive and interpret themes in the playroom. These models act as lenses through which we view children's play behaviors and the themes they express. By deeply understanding your chosen model, you can better align your interpretations with the therapeutic goals and processes specific to each child.
2. Identifying the Main Point of the Story
One practical tip Dr. Mullen shared is to approach each session like a story and try to discern the main point or message the child conveys through their play. This narrative approach helps therapists step back and view the session from a broader perspective, making it easier to identify significant themes that recur throughout the therapy.
3. Consulting with Parents and Caregivers
Partnering with parents and other caregivers is crucial for reinforcing the therapeutic work done in the session. Dr. Mullen suggests using themes identified in play therapy as a common language to communicate with adults involved in the child's life. By discussing overarching themes instead of specific play actions, therapists can provide insights that are respectful of the child’s privacy and more digestible for parents.
4. Simplifying the Process: Giving a Title to the Story
A novel way to simplify theme identification is to think of what title you would give the session if it were a story. This technique forces you to distill the essence of the session into a concise expression, clarifying the dominant theme or message being communicated by the child.
5. Utilizing Sand Tray Figures to Represent Themes
Dr. Mullen also touched on using sand tray figures to physically represent themes from the session. This tactile method can help therapists visually and symbolically grasp the themes being explored by the child, providing a different medium through which to understand and process the therapeutic content.
6. Teasing Out Words That Go Along with the Theme
Finally, another technique is to identify and use specific words or phrases that align with the themes observed. This linguistic approach not only helps in solidifying the therapist’s understanding of the theme but also aids in communicating these themes effectively in progress notes and discussions with other professionals.
Closing Thoughts
Dr. Mullen’s tips provide a robust framework for play therapists to enhance their practice by focusing on the identification and utilization of themes in play therapy. These strategies encourage a holistic and narrative approach to therapy, helping therapists to connect more deeply with their clients and facilitate meaningful change.
Resources: Integrative Counseling
Categories: : Play Therapy, Play Therapy Model, Play Therapy Themes, Podcast
