Protection Play Theme in Play Therapy

Nov 14, 2023

In this episode, we’re delving into the theme of Protection Play, the second segment within the safety play themes. It’s crucial to distinguish Protection Play from Containing Play, ensuring a clear understanding. Protection Play is about safeguarding something or someone from danger, whereas Containing Play focuses on keeping something contained.

In Protection Play, the child might build barriers, hide characters, or request the therapist’s close presence to ensure safety. Understanding the different forms this play can take is essential. It could represent the child’s need for safety due to feeling unsafe in their life, taking on unnecessary responsibility to protect others, or rehearsing self-protection due to anxiety or past traumatic experiences.

Next week, we’ll explore Danger Play, moving forward in our exploration of safety themes. Join me next week as we continue our journey through these vital play therapy themes. For any questions or feedback, reach out to me at [email protected].

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References:

Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley.
VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press.
Landreth, G. L. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-Routledge.
Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

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