How to Bring the Power of Parenting to Play Therapy

by Clair Mellenthin

Traditional child psychotherapy training has focused almost exclusively on working with the child, relegating parents to a secondary role and marginalizing systemic issues. In addition, by the time parents either seek out or are mandated to enter therapy for their child, hurt, shame, guilt, and exhaustion have already tattered the fabric of attachment bonds, making engagement with them all the more important. Centering the clinical work around the child to the neglect of the parents’ needs, attachment styles, and personal histories, places an unrealistic burden of responsibility on the child to be the change agent.

In contrast, expanding the clinical frame to include the parent’s attachment histories and styles, as well as their capacity for play can provide the therapist with the insight and tools for helping parents to be the secure base their child needs to flourish. Inclusion of the parents from the beginning in their child’s therapy can also focus clinical attention where it rightfully belongs––on the resources and reparative-healing potential within the family system. Additionally, utilizing expressive-creative, therapeutic activities with the whole family can re-direct healing efforts from words to healing language of play.

In viewing this webinar, Clair Mellenthin will teach you the core elements of Attachment-Centered Play including:   

• assessing the unique qualities of the parents’ attachment style
• modeling presence, limit setting, and basic play skills
• when and when not to invite the parents into the room
• how to orient the play to effectively include parents, structure interactions between parents and children in the room, and tap into family dynamics to support healthy change

By engaging with her in the experiential activities, you will also learn how to:

• reduce your reliance on words and talking in favor of creating and doing
• to use the “Family Play Genogram” and “Two Hands” techniques in therapy
• shift your clinical lens from fixing child behavior to repairing relationships  

So, put on your play clothes, switch your lens from the individual to the system, and from ‘talking about’ to ‘doing,’ and be prepared to learn invaluable skills you can use in your own work to help repair, rebuild, and create security for all members of the family.