They Lead, You Follow: Role of Non-Directive Play Therapy in Building Resilience

By : Pooja V. Anand

Page No: 167-175

Abstract
Childhood is a world filled with exuberance, fantasies and parallel realities. Children struggle to make sense of this reality around them, to overcome the violence and abuse that they may face or create a positive sense of self. The experiences of children unlike adults cannot be captured with words and are hence often conveyed through play. In order to explore the inner world of the child, the therapist must engage in the animated world of make-belief. Thus, non-directive play therapy emerges as an effective intervention for addressing the problems of children and facilitates resilience building. Existing literature on the efficacy of this approach suggests that the child experiences inner emotional growth, a sense of direction, acceptance and interprets the situation that provides an unambiguous form and expression to their emotional world. A conceptual review has been proposed to explore the essence of this therapeutic relationship, recent developments and its efficacy.

Authors :
Samridhi Ahuja : Defence Institute of Psychological Research, Defence R & D Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110 054.
Ayesha Saha : Defence Institute of Psychological Research, Defence R & D Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110 054