Evaluating clinical practice: using play-based techniques to elicit children's views of therapy

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Therapeutic Evaluation
• Expressive Therapies

Background:

• Increasing demand for accountability in children's services.
• Need for methods reflecting children's authentic views on therapy.
• Play therapy skills offer a unique approach to evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utility of play therapy techniques in evaluating child therapy.
• To present directive play therapy methods for assessing children's therapy experiences.
• To investigate the challenges and benefits of play-based evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 12 children at the end of therapy.
• Utilized directive play therapy techniques: 'The expert show', miniature playroom, puppet, and large doll evaluations.
• Explored issues and challenges in play-based evaluation methods.

Main Results:

• Children can effectively express their views on therapy using child-centered play techniques.
• Directive play therapy methods provide valuable data on children's therapy experiences.
• Pilot research demonstrated the feasibility of these evaluation techniques.

Conclusions:

• Expressive therapists are well-positioned to evaluate children's services.
• Play therapy techniques are effective tools for understanding children's perspectives on therapy.
• Child-centered approaches enhance the accuracy of therapy evaluations for children.