Psychology

This essay discusses one of the methods in group psychotherapy, which is Play Therapy. It will tackle concepts on how this method was developed and how it is being administered. It will also discuss the principles and the group development models that follow this approach.

Psychotherapy is one of the most well-known methods of psychological treatment. According to the Steadman s Medical Dictionary, it basically uses verbal and non-verbal communication with the client. Unlike other treatments, psychotherapy does not use any chemicals or other physical forms of treatment (as cited in Holmes, 2003).

When psychotherapy is applied in a number of persons as a whole, it becomes Group Psychotherapy. Unlike individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy is focused on interactions between clients who usually have the same issues. Sessions can have more than one therapist, making relationship problems easier to resolve ( Group Psychotherapy , n.d.).

One example of group psychotherapy is Play Therapy. It is an approach for children and teens, in which they can play, draw or paint to express themselves and their needs. Play therapy helps children understand themselves as well as their emotions ( Play Therapy , n.d.).

According to Virginia M. Axline, it is in playing that children can release their feeling in a safe way (1989).  As further stated by Axline

It is the same inner drive toward self-realization, maturity, fulfilment, and independence that also creates those conditions which we call maladjustment, which seems to be either an aggressive determination on the part of the child to be himself  by one means or another or a strong resistance to the blocking of his complete self-expression  (17).

Play therapy can be applied from the famous group development model of Bruce Tuckman called the Stages of Group Development. This model involves four stages that discuss the evolution of groups from meeting each other for the first time to establishing close relationships ( Famous Models , n.d.).

In conclusion, group play therapy does not only help children express their emotions safely but also helps them raise their self-esteem. It provides them with opportunities to meet other individuals and establish relationships. Play therapy also helps them resolve conflicts and gain maturity.