The Value of Parental Involvement in Play Therapy with Children Exposed to Trauma: A Literature Review

This literature review explores current research focusing on parent, caregiver or guardian involvement in therapy for children exposed to trauma. This research differentiates parent as a safe space, or systemic work with family dynamics, from parent as an important role within the healing process. Current methods inspired from the attachment approach to therapy including trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), filial therapy, child parent psychotherapy (CPP), parent child dyadic art therapy, child parent relationship therapy (CPRT), and child centered play therapy (CCPT) are explored, helping to gain a better understand of both clinical and parental perspectives of parental involvement in therapy. These methods focus on the use of play therapy, represented as the most beneficial way for children to communicate their experiences and needs. This research is able to help clinicians by identifying benefits and challenges of using different methods in play therapy as well as considering developmental and cultural factors that may influence parental views of play, psychotherapy, and personal involvement. This research also provides a space for parents to reflect on and gain an understanding of their own perspectives of treatment for their child exposed to trauma, and how this interferes with their relationship with their child as well as their own personal trauma history