Nondirective Play Therapy

Nondirective play therapy, also known as child-centered play therapy, is a counseling method that allows children to communicate their inner thoughts and feelings through play, a wide-range of toys, figurines, etc. This approach originated from Carl Rogers' nondirective therapy; it gives the child the opportunity to act out and resolve emotional issues in a non-verbal way as it believes that children have the natural drive for wellness. Since children do not yet have the vocabulary, insight, and sophistication to discuss emotional situations, nondirective play therapy is helpful in communicating such complex concepts to the therapist. Actually, this technique can also be used with adults as a means of expressing emotions and feelings in a non-threatening way.

It is nondirective since the therapist respects the child’s autonomy in directing his or her own play themes and sequences. Children are then allowed to express themselves in a safe and free space. For instance, they are not forced to speak and are given the freedom to choose which toy or toys to play with and how to play with them. However, there are still limits and boundaries in the play room. Generally, children are not allowed to harm themselves, the therapist, and the toys. They may then learn self-control and making choices by stating the limits in a way that validates the children’s feelings.

For example, instead of saying, “Do not destroy the ball, that is not allowed!”, the therapist may express the limit with “It seems that you feel bad and that you want to let it out by punching that ball; however, if you destroy it, you cannot play with it next time and other kids cannot also play with it. If you want, you can get your feelings out by punching that Bobo doll instead or that pillow over there. You may also tear these scrap papers or squeeze some stress balls here”.