With Kids Play Therapy: Case Study

With Kids, Glasgow regularly operates a Play Therapy class for children that attend the centre. Here is an example of why Play Therapy is so important and how it makes a difference to a child's life. This is just some of the work that we do.

Key Issues
Child A (aged 10) was referred by primary school due to concerns about emotional difficulties, especially anger and behavioural issues at school (including anti-social concerns and sexualised behaviour). Child A's family situation was cause for concern with a mother who admitted to prostituting from the family home when Child A was younger and with a history of drug abuse. Child C was now in the care of a family member who stated that the child struggled with separation, which was causing distress for all concerned

Intervention
Over 11 months, the play therapist noted that Child A was initially very silent, guarded and anxious and play was limited and physically contained. At first the child engaged mainly in art activities and was prolific in the amount of work produced. The play therapist felt that this was content rich and seemed cathartic for the child.

Themes in play related to fear violence, chaos, confusion, destruction and lack of safety. It also revealed that the child found transitions difficult. Over time play moved on to exploring sand and other sensory materials and playing with cars. It was noted that play was very repetitive and mirrored the play of a much younger child suggesting that the child had missed out on some early development play.

Outcomes
As time progressed Child A's play developed a much more spontaneous element becoming more vocal and expressive with frequent laughing and smiling and was increasingly more relaxed. The child began to develop reciprocal play with the therapist and began to cope better with transitions.

The play therapist was able to suggest that Child A would benefit from further opportunities to revisit activities associated with early development, such as sensory and tactile activities. It also recommended that continued support be provided to help Child A deal with transitions.

Staff at school reported that Child A seemed more settled and calm with increased confidence and was taking on more responsibility. Child A became more willing to engage and speak and behaviour became less challenging.

The family carer felt that Child A had made a 'huge improvement' and commented that they couldn't remember the last time Child A had had a 'temper tantrum'.

For further information and reading on Play Therapy please follow the links: http://www.bapt.info/ or http://www.playtherapy.org.uk/.

For more information on the work that With Kids do in the east end of Glasgow have a look at our Website, Blog, Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. You can also call us on 0141 550 5770.

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