Talk:Play therapy
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[edit] Scientific efficacy
In the course of my rewriting of this article I removed the following:
he therapeutic efficacy of Play Therapy has not yet been proven scientifically. Some contend, however, that it is virtually impossible to scientifically prove the efficacy of any psychotherapeutic modality, new or old. They argue that the variables are simply too vast, infinite in fact, making a controlled experiment impossible. In fact, the efficacy of several scientifically-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, has been well established as one of the most effective forms of treatment for many mental illnesses. Play Therapy or other Creative Arts Therapies, not unlike Psychoanalysis, may elude scientific validation as the goals and methods of the modality is fundamentally based in art, not science.
This sounds like original research to me, and seems to be generally off-topic to an encylopedic entry. leontes 05:31, 16 September 2006 (UTC)
As a practicing therapist who has used play therapy, I am glad the above paragraph was removed because it's total horse sh#t. The therapeutic efficacy of play is obvious, if it's done right, in the positive changes in the client's life. Sounds like someone spent a little too much time doing statistical analysis and too little time in session with real live clients.
Any therapy can be validated if defined in behavioral terms. Even concepts like ideas and emotions can be defined in behavioral terms.whicky1978 talk 23:34, 3 November 2006 (UTC)
Sounds like a "practicing therapist" to downplay the value of scientific data. The paragraph should be put back in. If the efficacy is obvious, then it's measurable. (AZ Psych Student)
I agree that some statement that characterizes the research should be included. As a practicing clinician, I'm deeply disturbed that other clinicians actually believe their interventions are sound because they have seen a positive change in a few clients' lives. I do practice play therapy, have excellent outcomes, and have more people requesting appointments than I am able to schedule. However, I am VERY aware of the lack of scientific quantitative or qualitative studies that demonstrate effectiveness. Being clear with myself and my clients ensures transparence, which is critical to empowerment, healing, and social justice. I hope that clinicians will move from interventions based on authority to scientifically based research.—Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.255.3.237 (talk)
As a licensed clinician for 15 years I have had the opportunity to examine numerous therapeutic approaches, including play therapy. There is significant information regarding play therapy and its efficacy in treating a multitude of childhood issues. In fact, my doctoral dissertation attempted to examine the efficacy of play therapy utilizing a correlational design. Pre and Post-test were provided, using a standardized behavioral measurement, to primary caregiviers. Results indicated there was a high positive correlation significant on the .05 level. I believe it is important that both the lay person and the professional keep an open mind when assessing therapeutic approaches. Do your research and use common sense. For additional information access information on the American Play Therapy website. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Scholeman (talk • contribs) 20:45, 20 January 2008 (UTC)
