A type of play therapy that involves encouraging children to play freely as the therapist observes them in order to work through their issues.

Columbia University

A type of therapy that helps clients, often children, to prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth by utilizing a therapeutic process of play. It harnesses children's natural urge to explore and uses it to help them express emotions that might be otherwise difficult to communicate. Play objects allow the child to displace difficult feelings, dreams, fantasies, and traumas. A therapist may observe the behaviors of the child while playing and also utilize play therapy to assist in the diagnosis process. Both nondirective and directed play therapy are possible.

Play Therapy

A therapeutic approach where the therapist refrains from offering advice or interpretations. Instead, the therapist's role is to assist the individual in identifying personal conflicts and understanding their own feelings, empowering them to find their own solutions.

Nondirective Therapy

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Nondirective Play Therapy

A type of play therapy that involves the therapist being more involved in the play session rather than just observing. This includes adding structure and guidance to the play session by suggesting subjects, asking questions, and  sometimes playing with the children.

Directive Play Therapy

A therapist is working with an individual who is struggling with a major life decision. Analyze the provided statement from the individual and, based on the principles of a nondirective therapeutic approach, explain how the therapist should respond and why this response is appropriate.

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