Description:

This webinar will introduce and define messy play and explore its significance in play therapy. The experiential presentation will provide a clear rationale for the inclusion of messy play in play therapy and support clinicians in their application of the therapeutic powers of messy play. The inclusion and detailed exploration of a case presentation will be used to highlight, and bring to life, specific therapeutic benefits of messy play and some of the barriers associated with this type of play. Ways to overcome the barriers identified, and other potential barriers, will also be explored. The case presentation will explore the various stages of one client's therapy process through a messy play lens.

The therapeutic use of self within play therapy sessions will be identified as a critical component in any therapy process. This is an ideal follow-on, or lead-in, to Siobhán’s webinar “An Introduction to Sensory Systems and Assessing Implications for Play Therapy Practice”.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify specific therapeutic powers of messy play.

2. Explain how to comprehend a presented play therapy process through a messy play lens.

3. Describe some of the barriers associated with using messy play in play therapy.

4. Explain how to overcome some of the barriers associated with using messy play in play therapy.

5. Identify your own responses to messy play.

6. List ways to gain confidence in using messy play in your play therapy practice