Costelloe, J. and Maunder, R. (2010) Using theraplay to address attachment difficulties in adoptive families: exploring parent, child and therapist perspectives. Paper presented to: 3rd Qualitative Research on Mental Health Conference (QRMH3): The Disabled Self: Theoretical and Empirical Approaches to Stigma and Recovery, University of Nottingham, 25-27 August 2010. (Unpublished)
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Theraplay is a structured approach to play therapy for children having difficulties forming attachments with their parents/guardians. Grounded in attachment theory, the method uses a controlled, directive approach whereby therapists guide parents and children through a series of activities designed to reflect interactions expected in healthy parent-child relationships (Jernberg, 1984). The technique is relatively new in terms of its existence and despite worldwide clinical application of the approach, research focussing specifically on the theraplay process is not extensive - especially in the UK. Due to the importance placed on the roles taken by the therapist, parent/guardian and the child in the process, the perceptions and experiences of all parties involved need to be understood. The purpose of this qualitative study therefore was to explore adoptive families’ conceptualisations and experiences of theraplay. Three therapists and two parents participated in semi-structured interviews and four children took part in activity sessions. Key themes were identified in relation to the perceived effectiveness of theraplay; the need for a holistic approach to therapy; experiences of frustration and the need for ongoing support. This paper will present the findings from the thematic analysis of the data, and discuss implications for the application of the theraplay model |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Theraplay; attachment; parent; child; therapist; play therapy; adoptive families |
| Subjects: |
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF511 Affection. Feeling. Emotion H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV697 Protection, assistance and relief > HV701 Children > HV875.55 Adopted children R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ499 Mental disorders. Child psychiatry |
| Creators: | Costelloe, James and Maunder, Rachel |
| Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: |
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Group > Social and Cultural Research in Psychology Group University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Psychology Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences |
| Date: | 27 August 2010 |
| Date Type: | Presentation |
| Event Title: | 3rd Qualitative Research on Mental Health Conference (QRMH3): The Disabled Self: Theoretical and Empirical Approaches to Stigma and Recovery |
| Event Dates: | 25-27 August 2010 |
| Event Location: | University of Nottingham |
| Event Type: | Conference |
| Language: | English |
| Status: | Unpublished |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/2731 |
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