Therapeutic Play Continuum - Definition Matrix

So what's the difference between all the different applications of play?

After considering the different applications of play, Play Therapy UK (PTUK) identified a number of variables that would distinguish one application from another. These are called the defining variables. The matrix is presented in two parts combining the levels of the therapeutic play continuum with the defining variables to arrive at contextual definitions. It helps to explain in some detail the differences between, for example 'play work' and 'therapeutic play'. The matrix has also been used as the basis of contextual definitions of the applications of play.

Part 1 - Play, Play Work, Therapeutic Play Work and Therapeutic Play

Part 2 - Filial Play, Play Therapy and Child Psychotherapy

The matrix compares the different applications of play: Play, Play Work, Therapeutic Play Work, Therapeutic Play, Filial Play, Play Therapy and Child Psychotherapy with the defining variables: Objectives (Level of functioning), Description and Role of Provider/s, Age Range (Emotional), Play Content, Application of Psychological Theories, Type of Intervention, Safety Issues, Clinical Supervision, Quality Management

Contextual Definition Matrix - Part 1

Level Variable	Play	Play Work	Therapeutic Play Work	Therapeutic Play
Objectives (Level of functioning)	Enjoyment Individual learning Self development Normal	Care & support Educational Normal	Care, support and emotional wellbeing Organisation centered and behaviour focussed Mainly preventative Slight impairment	Emotional well being Child centered Acute mild condition Deal with one off problems Slight impairment
Description & Role of Provider/s	None	Play worker Teacher Caring, Supporting, teaching	Play worker Teacher Mainly observational and prescriptive Treatment of one off slight/mild conditions	Play Worker, Teacher, Care Assistant, Nurse Mainly observational and prescriptive Treatment of acute slight/mild conditions
Age Range (Emotional)	Any	3 - 16 years	3 - 16 years	3 - 16 years
Play Content	100%	50 - 90%	50 - 90%	90 - 99%
Psychological Theories	None	None	Basic	Basic
Type of Intervention	None (Self Help)	Learning, comfort & physical support	Support & diagnostic leading to onward referral	Support & diagnostic leading to onward referral
Safety	Physical	Physical	Physical	Physical / Confidentiality
Clinical Supervision	None	None	None	Desirable
Quality Management	None	Level of care, Educational attainment	Level of care, Educational attainment	Simple reporting / feedback

Contextual Definition Matrix - Part 2

Level Variable	Filial Play	Play Therapy	Child Psycho-Therapy / Clinical Psychology Psychiatry
Objectives (Level of functioning)	Emotional well being through improved parenting skills Developmental Acute mild conditions Impairment of infant development	Mental Health & emotional well being Preventative and curative Chronic mild, moderate and severe conditions Mild to moderate/severe Impairment	Mental Health Severe acute and chronic problems Personality problems Co-morbidity Severe impairment considerable loss of functioning
Description & Role of Provider/s	Impart basic skills to parent/carer/s through demonstration Apply play and other therapeutic techniques to infant/child	Form a therapeutic relationship - short to medium/long term (months/year) This will normally be between therapist and child but may also be between a therapeutic team and a child	Form a therapeutic relationship – often long term over year/s Use of medication and talking therapies with some play
Age Range (Emotional)	0 - 14 years	3 - 14 years	3 - 18 years
Play Content Balance	50 - 80% Nurturing Training parent/carer	80 - 90% Assessment Case management Outcome measurement	Small amount Play is used as a lure or adjunct to other therapies
Application of Psychological Theories	Intermediate	Intermediate	Advanced
Intervention	Demonstration, observation, imparting skills, play therapy	Integrative play therapy techniques	Integrative talking therapy techniques and medication
Safety	Physical Confidentiality	Physical Emotional & Psychological safety Confidentiality	Physical Emotional & Psychological safety Confidentiality Public safety
Clinical Supervision	Essential	Essential	Essential
Quality Management	Feedback through simple outcome measure	Complex - multiple outcome measures	Complex - multiple outcome measures
Code of Ethics	Organisational	Professional (PTUK/PTI, BAPT)	Professional (BPS, UKCP)
Degree of Training & (WORD MISSING)	NVQ Level 4	Level 4 (Certificate, Diploma, MA)	Level 4 MA plus specialised post graduate training

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