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Unlocking the Potential of Virtual Family Play Therapy: A Clinician's Guide

Unlocking the Potential of Virtual Family Play Therapy: A Clinician\'s Guide

As the field of marriage and family therapy continues to evolve, the integration of technology has become a pivotal component, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. One innovative approach that has gained traction is Virtual Family Play Therapy (VFPT). This method offers a promising avenue for engaging families in therapeutic play without the constraints of physical presence. Based on the research article "Virtual Family Play Therapy: A Clinician's Guide to Using Directed Family Play Therapy in Telemental Health," this blog aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the outcomes of the research presented.

Understanding Directed Family Play Therapy (DFPT)

Directed Family Play Therapy (DFPT) focuses on guiding families through structured play activities to address family dynamics and issues. Unlike non-directed play therapy, where the child leads the session, DFPT involves the therapist actively directing the play to achieve therapeutic goals. This approach allows for the observation and improvement of parent-child interactions, communication, and coping skills.

Adapting DFPT to a Virtual Format

Transitioning DFPT to a virtual format involves several key adaptations:

Benefits of Virtual Family Play Therapy

Virtual Family Play Therapy offers several advantages:

Challenges and Contraindications

Despite its benefits, virtual DFPT has its challenges:

Call for Future Research

The recommendations presented in this blog are based on anecdotal experiences and existing literature. There is a need for further research to validate these methods and explore the efficacy of virtual DFPT. Qualitative studies, controlled trials, and case studies will help advance the field and provide a robust evidence base for this innovative approach.

Conclusion

Virtual Family Play Therapy offers a unique and effective way to engage families in therapeutic play. By adapting DFPT to a virtual format, therapists can continue to provide high-quality care while overcoming the limitations imposed by physical distance. As we embrace this new frontier, ongoing research and innovation will be essential to refining and improving virtual DFPT.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Virtual Family Play Therapy: A Clinician's Guide to Using Directed Family Play Therapy in Telemental Health.


Citation: Smith, T., Norton, A. M., & Marroquin, L. (2021). Virtual Family Play Therapy: A Clinician's Guide to Using Directed Family Play Therapy in Telemental Health. Contemporary Family Therapy, 45(1), 106-116. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-021-09612-7
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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