Association for Play Therapy and Play Therapy Evolution

Vision and Motivation in 1982

• Founded by Charles Schaeffer and Kevin O'Connor
• Aimed to rejuvenate play therapy, which was declining
• Initial goals: create a national forum for information exchange and social support
• Limited resources: only a newsletter and an annual conference
• Focus on building a sense of community among play therapists

Play Therapy Evolution

• Initially popular in the early 1900s, especially the psychodynamic approach in England
• Humanistic play therapy rose in the 1960s, influenced by Virginia Axline
• Decline in popularity in the 1970s with the rise of cognitive behavioral therapy
• By 1980, play therapy was nearing obsolescence

Association for Play Therapy Today

• Expanded goals: training, credentialing, research support, international collaboration
• Aims for broad influence and recognition

Therapeutic Powers of Play

• Central concept in play therapy
• Over 20 therapeutic factors identified
• Key factors: communication, self-expression, unconscious access, relationship enhancement
• Promotes emotional regulation and skill learning
• Key therapeutic power varies by individual client needs

Pillars of Play Therapy

• Theory, research, practice
• Emphasis on innovation, pragmatism, experimentation
• Need for expanded research to compete with other interventions

Words of Wisdom for New Play Therapists

• No single technique is universally effective
• Need a variety of interventions
• Short-term therapy effectiveness
• Rapport must be established quickly
• Agree on goals and techniques with clients

Challenges and Focus for the Future

• Need for more well-controlled studies
• Understanding therapeutic factors that lead to change
• Development of integrative play therapy approaches
• Expansion of play therapy across life cycles
• Increased prevention efforts and parental involvement
• More international collaboration among play therapists

Metaphors Describing Play Therapy's Journey

• Evolution: Complexity and comprehensiveness in response to changing needs
• Phoenix Rising: Revitalization since 1980
• Mother Image: Support and warmth provided by play therapy

Impact of the Association for Play Therapy

• Catalyst for revitalization
• Importance of community and shared resources

Future Aspirations for Play Therapy

• Enhanced research and identification of therapeutic factors
• Skilled play therapists with diverse intervention repertoires
• Increased awareness and application across age groups
• Strengthened international collaboration