| The problem. The product of this dissertation project was a portable solution-focused play therapy toy kit, containing special toys, games and activities to help children and families overcome challenges. The goal was to provide parents with “keys” to use as an adjunct to therapeutic treatment. Research indicates that most parents want to help a struggling child find solutions to problems; however, most parents do not have sufficient training or access to adequate or appropriate materials.;Method. A “play therapy survey” was created to determine the toys, games and activities considered most useful and easy for parents to understand. The survey was sent to 120 randomly selected Registered Play Therapists across the country.;Results. The toys, games and activities selected for inclusion in the toy kit are simple, solution-focused, strength-oriented and based on specific criteria determined by survey results. All items are culturally sensitive and general in applicability. In a one-day (6 hour) workshop, parents will receive instruction about basic solution-focused concepts, the importance of play, and how to use each toy, game or activity in the toy kit. A guidebook accompanies the play therapy toy kit, and describes the therapeutic value of each item. The solution-focused therapeutic model was chosen because it is straightforward, simple to understand, and easy to implement. The items in the play therapy toy kit enable parents to help their child learn and grow in a positive, strength-based environment, as they become skilled at recognizing how they are already coping with problems, finding exceptions to negative behaviors, and appropriately place the problem along a scale so even the smallest improvements can be recognized. As they practice these techniques together, parents and children will travel an amazing journey toward learning to look for and expect miracles. |
