The Therapeutic Powers of Play

Abstract

This chapter explores why and how play therapy works. It provides an overview of the mechanisms of change underlying play therapy in order to understand the specific forces that cause therapeutic improvement in a client. The therapeutic powers of play refer to the specific targeted aspects within treatment in which play initiates, facilitates, or strengthens the therapeutic effect. Based upon a review of the literature and the clinical experiences of play therapists, Schaefer identified 20 core therapeutic powers of play. These are discussed in the chapter. Among these therapeutic powers are change agents, specific components that improve a client's attachment formation, self-expression, emotion regulation, resiliency, self-esteem, and stress management, among other things. The therapeutic powers of play transcend particular models of play therapy by defining treatment in terms of cross-cutting principles of therapeutic change seen within the client's treatment.

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