Successful Strategies for Parent Engagement in Play Therapy: Voices Through Humanistic Approaches

Abstract

Parent engagement in play therapy has been linked to successful therapy outcomes. Despite substantive empirical data demonstrating a positive relationship between parent engagement and child outcomes (Haine-Schlagel & Walsh, 2015; Halbur et al., 2020), parent engagement, particularly strategies encouraging parent involvement, has been understudied. This article presents research findings from interviews with experienced play therapists where they shared their approach to facilitating parent engagement. The findings strongly suggest that the first step in working with the parents of child clients should be building a relationship with parents through a humanistic and empathetic approach. Specific strategies to elicit parent engagement are shared in the findings. Discussions about findings and limitations of this study are included.

Department(s)

School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1037/pla0000199

Keywords

parent consultation, parent engagement, parent involvement

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Journal Title

International Journal of Play Therapy

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