Non Directive

Play Therapy
EFFICACY

 Research is lacking on the overall

effectiveness of using toys in nondirective play therapy.
Dell Lebo found that out of a
sample of over 4,000 children, those
who played with recommended toys
vs non-recommended or no toys
during non-directive play therapy
were not more likely to verbally
express themselves to the therapist.

 Recommended toys dolls or

crayons
Non-recommended toys
marbles or checker game.

 Other research shows that

following specific criteria when
choosing toys in non-directive
play therapy can make
treatment more efficacious.
Criteria for a desirable treatment
toy include a toy that facilitates
contact with the child, encourages
catharsis and lead to play that can
be easily interpreted by a therapist.

 Rasmussen and Cunningham argue

that progress can take much
longer than that of a more focused
approach (directive play therapy).