Non-Directive Play Therapy with Children Experiencing Psychic Trauma

Abstract

This article describes the process of a brief non-directive play therapy intervention by a trainee therapist with a nine-year-old child who had developed persistent stress reactions to a single traumatic event. An overview of the place of brief non- directive play therapy in the treatment of children and their families for post- traumatic stress disorder is given. Themes in the child’s therapy, and the therapist’s and the parents’ role are related to post-traumatic and attachment issues. Finally, implications for current therapeutic practise with traumatized children and their families are outlined.