Virgina Axline Play Therapy

Many of us are able to agree that the act of playing is one of the easiest ways in which a child, or adolescent communicates. Too often children who emit unwanted behaviors become labeled as the “bad” or “problem” child. Play therapy may provide solutions to dissolve those unwanted behaviors. The book “Play Therapy” by Virgina M. Axline gives us the tools to learn and develop into effective play therapists. Like Axline states in “Play Therapy” play therapy “is an opportunity which is given to the child to “play out” his feelings and problems…” (Axline, 1974, p.9). Many times throughout the book “Play Therapy” by Virginia M. Axline I caught myself becoming amazed at how well play therapy actually works. Keeping this in mind, I have to believe it would not be as effective without the constant stressing of building rapport. I think too many times we rush into sessions wanting to provide a quick fix the problem, and be that mender, we end up forgetting to build rapport. For a child to fully unfold, we need to earn that trust, and create a safe, inviting environment. For instance, the book talks about Oscar in chapter eight, at …show more content…
I really liked how Axline put an emphasis on how important it is for teachers to have an adequate mental health as well. Teachers are around kids constantly throughout the day, in addition, they are basically being told what and how to do their job in every aspect. Axline states, “the teachers sometimes bring their problems with them…” (Axline, 1974, p.163). Moreover, how do we make success with a student when a negative teacher is surrounding them all day? In addition, I absolutely loved the idea of having meetings for the teachers. I believe this could potentially take teaching to a higher level. Teachers may not bring as many problems in and can really focus on what they love to do,