The Therapeutic Play Continuum

Play is now widely recognised as being beneficial in the emotional development of children. It has a therapeutic value. With the growth of play therapy, play work and the use of therapeutic play skills there is widespread confusion about the roles of each and the skills required to be a proficient practitioner. PTUK has developed definitions of each of the main terms. They are related graphically to each other in the Therapeutic Play Continuum diagram.

The Applications of Play

The main therapeutic applications of play are:

Therapeutic Play Continuum

Since there are overlaps between each application they may best be considered on a therapeutic continuum to deal with differing levels of severity of emotional, behavioural and mental health problems in children.

Related Content

About Play Therapy UK

Outlines the need for play therapy (playtherapy), its effectiveness and the main activities of Play Therapy UK - the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Axline Principles

A description of the Axline principles by Play Therapy UK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Therapeutic Play Continuum

Therapeutic Play Continuum developed by Play Therapy UK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Play Therapy Contextual Definition Matrix

Play Therapy - A matrix of play applications and defining variables developed by Play Therapy UK, is the largest and most progressive organisation governing play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Therapeutic Play Continuum Defining Variables

Play Therapy - A description of the variables that define the applications of play used to improve children’s emotional well-being and mental health.

1. Play Continuum FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapy selected by PTUK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

1. Play Continuum FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapy selected by PTUK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

2. Play Continuum FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapy selected by PTUK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

3. Play Continuum FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapy selected by PTUK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

4. Play Continuum FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapy selected by PTUK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

5. Play Continuum FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapy selected by PTUK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

6. Play Continuum FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapy selected by PTUK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

7. Play Continuum FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Play Therapy selected by PTUK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Therapeutic Play Continuum - Principles

Principles of the therapeutic play continuum by Play Therapy UK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Relationship with Child Psychotherapists, Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists

Relationship with Child Psychotherapists, Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists described by Play Therapy UK - the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

What's the difference between therapeutic play and play therapy?

The difference between therapeutic play and play therapy? Defined by Play Therapy UK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

The Therapeutic Play Continuum

Play Therapy UK the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom has developed the Therapeutic Play Continuum.

A Definition of Play

Definition of play by Play Therapy UK is the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Using Play to Alleviate Children's Problems

Play therapy - Play therapy uses a variety of play and creative arts methods to alleviate children's problems.

How does therapeutic play work?

A description of how therapeutic play works.

Evidence That Play Therapy Works

Measuring the effectiveness of play therapy by Play Therapy UK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Play Safe - Ensuring the safety of a child who is undertaking play therapy

Play therapy - Factors to be considered for the safety of the child.

Play Therapy - A Definition

A definition of play therapy by Play Therapy UK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

The Play Therapy Tool Kit

The Play Therapy Tool Kit described by Play Therapy UK is the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

A Definition of Play Work

A definition of play work by Play Therapy UK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Definition of Therapeutic Play

Definition of therapeutic play by Play Therapy UK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Definition of Therapeutic Play Work

A definition of therapeutic play work by Play Therapy UK, the largest and most progressive organisation governing therapeutic play and play therapy in the United Kingdom.

Menu

News Flash

We are pleased to confirm that dates for the 2020 Summer School Certificate and Diploma courses at NUI Galway have now been rescheduled to 17th - 31st August 2020 (subject to the sufficient relaxation of the social distancing policies put in place by the Government and NUI Galway).

Due to the current restrictions on international travel, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Summer School at La Mouline, France. However, we are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2021 intakes which will take place from 24th July - 7th August 2021. Delivered at our beautiful Training Centre in South West France, this programme offers students the opportunity to start their journey toward a rewarding new career whilst enjoying a delightful part of the world.

What's On

Play Therapy Galway

Play Therapy Cape Town

Certificate in Play Therapy starts on 05-Sep-20 - Bell Rosen, Cape Town South Africa

Play Therapy London

Certificate in Play Therapy starts on 11-Sep-20 - etc. Venues, Drummond Gate, Pimlico

Play Therapy Truro

Certificate in Play Therapy starts on 18-Sep-20 - Epiphany House, Truro

Play Therapy Hong Kong SAR

Play Therapy Antrim

Certificate in Play Therapy starts on 25-Sep-20 - Clotworthy House, Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim

What's On

Click here for the full What's On list