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
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
|
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
|