Play Therapy Dimensions Model
The Play Therapy Dimensions Model (PTDM) has been developed
by Lorri Yasenik and Ken Gardner, certified play therapy supervisors and
co-directors of The Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute. PTUK together with
PTI have adopted the PTDM as a standard for good quality play therapy practice
and clinical supervision. It will be incorporated into the competency framework
becoming an essential part of the initial training of play therapists and a
CPD/CE requirement. It is an excellent method to use as a part of clinical
governance procedures.
A brief introduction is given below
Developed by Lorri Yasenik & Ken Gardner
Based upon the Prescriptive Play Therapy approach as
expounded by Charles Schaefer
The PTDM incorporates the theories and techniques of a
variety of play therapy approaches to address a spectrum of presenting issues
and problems enabling the construction of an individualised treatment plan
The model encourages therapists to consider moving from
their original point of intervention or approach
But it does not presume that movement has to take place
It allows for movement within a session e.g. a child stops
metaphorical play and starts talking about problems as well as between sessions
The Play Therapy Dimensions Model is a conceptual framework
for:
Play therapy practice and supervision
Analysing changes in child’s play/behaviour
Assisting session planning & decision taking
It works with a number of theoretical approaches &
techniques; is integrative; two dimensional.
The two axes are directiveness and consciousness.
Directiveness takes account of:
The degree of therapist immersion
The level of interpretation by the therapist
Consciousness considers:
The child’s representation of consciousness in play
The play activities and verbalisations
The four quadrants derived from the two axes are shown below:
The book and DVD explains in detail, with case examples, how
the PTDM may be applied to practice and supervision.
