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History of Play Therapy Timeline

(1909 - Present)

A timeline about play therapy, showcasing its history, key milestones, and significant contributions. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Early Development

The birth of play therapy

1909

Sigmund Freud's publication "Analysis of a Phobia in a Five-Year-Old Boy" introduces the concept of using play to gain insights into a child's psyche, laying the foundation for modern play therapy.

Foundational Theories

Introduction of Sandplay therapy

1950

Dora Kalff introduces Sandplay therapy, a nonverbal therapeutic technique that enables clients to express and resolve conflicts through the creation and manipulation of miniature objects in sand.

Development and publication of "Dibs in Search of Self"

1964

Virginia Axline's book "Dibs in Search of Self" introduces the child-centered approach to play therapy, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe and accepting environment for children's self-expression.

Development of Filial play therapy

1969

Bernard and Louise Guerney create Filial play therapy, an approach that involves training parents or caregivers to become therapeutic agents for their children through play.

Development of the Theraplay method

1971

Ann Jernberg pioneers Theraplay, an interactive and attachment-based play therapy approach that focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship through structured play activities.

Introduction of Gestalt play therapy

1979

Violet Oaklander develops the Gestalt approach to play therapy, focusing on the integration of thoughts, emotions, and behavior through creative expression and play.

Modern Applications

Integration of play therapy in schools

1969

Increasing recognition of the benefits of play therapy leads to its incorporation into the school environment, providing support to children struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Incorporation of play therapy in trauma treatment

1996

Play therapy techniques, such as trauma-focused play therapy, are adopted as valuable tools for helping children process and heal from traumatic experiences.

Development of play therapy for autism spectrum disorders

2001

Play therapy interventions tailored for individuals with autism spectrum disorders are developed, aiming to improve social, emotional, and communication skills.

Introduction of Play-Along Video Games in Therapy

2012

The use of video games specifically designed for therapeutic purposes is introduced, allowing play therapists to engage children through interactive and targeted interventions.

Advancements in technology for play therapy

2021

The integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology in play therapy enhances engagement and expands the possibilities for therapeutic interventions.

Key Organizations

The establishment of the Association for Play Therapy

1982

The Association for Play Therapy (APT) is founded to provide a professional community and promote the ethical practice and research of play therapy.

Founding of the International Association for Play Therapy

1982

The International Association for Play Therapy (IAPT) is established to provide a global network for play therapists and advance the field of play therapy through international collaboration and research.

Formation of the Pro Association for Play Therapists

2006

The Pro Association for Play Therapists (PAPT) is established as an international organization for play therapists, promoting training, and supporting the advancement of play therapy.

Key Publications

Release of "Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship"

2002

Garry Landreth's influential book "Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship" becomes a guide for play therapists, emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship in the healing process.

Key Facts

  1. Play therapy was first developed by Anna Freud in the early 20th century.
  2. In the 1940s, Virginia Axline introduced non-directive play therapy, focusing on the child's self-expression and autonomy.
  3. The Association for Play Therapy was founded in 1982, promoting the growth and development of the field.
  4. Play therapy is a widely recognized and utilized form of psychotherapy for children today.
  5. Modern play therapy combines various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic techniques.

Source

This History of Play Therapy timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.

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