| Abstract [eng] |
Mental health problems are one of the main causes of illness and disability among children and young people. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization, these disorders affect 8% of children and 15% of adolescents; however, the majority of them do not seek or receive help. In Lithuania, an increase in mental health problems among children and adolescents is also being observed. Play is considered the “language” of the child, while play therapy is an effective and increasingly popular form of child psychotherapy aimed at treating emotional disorders and trauma. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of psychologists and psychotherapists in using play in therapeutic work with children. Seven mental health professionals participated in the study. Reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative semi-structured interview data highlighted five main themes: 1) Play as a comprehensive tool for child development; 2) Play therapy – uniqueness and perspectives;3) The psychologist’s role in therapy; 4) Change in therapy and parental involvement;5) Other activities and methods as part of the play process. The results of the study demonstrate that play is an essential tool for promoting children's emotional, social, and cognitive development, and is particularly important when working with children who have speech or developmental difficulties. Play provides a safe space where the child can establish connections both with their inner world and the external environment. The ability to play is considered one of the essential indicators of a child’s development. The participants emphasized that their role in therapy is that of observers and companions: they aim to preserve the child’s spontaneity, avoid interfering with the flow of play, and interpret the content of play as a symbolic language that allows access to the child’s inner world. The importance of a secure therapeutic relationship, patience, trust in the child, respect, unconditional acceptance, and flexibility was strongly emphasized. Change in therapy is slow and requires patience from both professionals and parents, while “regression after progress” is considered a natural part of the healing process. The experiences of the study participants reveal that play is an essential tool for achieving long-term therapeutic goals, and parental involvement was viewed as a key factor in understanding the child’s needs and emotions, as well as in facilitating positive developmental changes. |
