 Introduction o Humanistic approach – provides primary framework for conceptualization and practice o Attachment theory – informs understanding of attachment dynamics in parent-child and therapist-child relationships and enhances treatment  Rationale for integrative approach o Humanistic play therapy principles and practice Essential is the belief in the healing nature of the therapist-child relationship Belief in the conditions and attitudes necessary for an effective therapeutic alliance Belief in phenomenal world of the child Child’s natural striving toward growth and maturity

 Rationale for integrative approach (cont.) o Humanistic play therapy principles and practice (cont.) Child’s capacity for self-evaluation, self-regulation, self-direction, self- responsibility, and socialization Therapist qualities Genuineness Empathy Unconditional positive regard Child will feel accepted and safe to express self fully and move toward positive functioning Individual and filial therapy formats

 Rationale for integrative approach (cont.) o Attachment theory Parental behaviors influence attachment security versus insecurity Secure (B) attachment – emotionally responsive behavior Anxious-avoidant (A) attachment – rejecting behavior Anxious-resistant (C) attachment – inconsistent behavior Disorganized/disoriented (D) attachment – abusive, neglectful, frightening behavior Trauma = breakdown in capacity to regulate internal states Results in fright, flight, or freeze Compromises regulatory ability of the amygdala Attachment disruptions, which can cause developmental lags Understanding attachment dynamics in the therapist-child and parent- child relationships provides therapist with greater sensitivity to child

 Application of integrated approach o Develop trust that primary adults can meet child’s needs o Integration of early experience into self-concept o Increased levels of self-acceptance and self-regulation o Enhanced developmental functioning in all areas, particularly socioemotional functioning o Parents’ attachment histories impact parenting and require attention o Assessments Parent interview Developmental history Measurement of stress in parent-child relationship Parent and teacher-reported assessments Socioemotional development Behavioral functioning Parent-child play observation after six weeks Assess attachment patterns of interaction Assess parent’s responses to behavior management training

 Application of integrated approach (cont.) o Two internalized contradictory messages regarding self-worth and what is needed from caregivers “I have to make you like me so you won’t want to leave me” “I must not be worthy of being loved; I have to take care of myself” o Behavior expected given prior experience, not adoptive parents’ or child’s fault o Parent education and play therapy training is so important because 1x/week therapy is insufficient to change and reinforce neuropathways o Play therapy treatment objectives Establish responsive, predictable relationship from which to explore past and present experiences Establish relationship in which genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard are at the core

 Application of integrated approach (cont.) o Treatment objectives for involving caregivers Provide support and education Develop better understanding of child by describing Themes Connection between play and early experiences How themes are relevant to behavior at home and school Normalize parents’ behavioral and emotional response to child’s behavior problems Foster greater understanding of child’s needs Impact of attachment experiences on development Impact of attachment experiences on current functioning Enhance parent-child attunement through creating enjoyable, developmentally responsive interactions Respond to aggression consistently that communicates safety and acceptance Strengthen parenting skills and confidence in responding to child’s needs Remember to involve teacher so that child will experience safety and predictability at school