The techniques and methods are the tools in the tool-kit of a play therapist or a practitioner of therapeutic play. The more skills or tools one has the better one can adapt to new situations., difficulties or problems and follow the lead given by children in the sessions.
These tools are also resources. The more resources, inner and outer, that we have access to the less likely that we will “burn out”. However it is no use knowing the theory of a tool without the practical experience of using it, initially under safe conditions. This is why Play Therapy Africa and Play Therapy International place great emphasis on practical and experiential play therapy training.
The play therapy tool-kit is also based upon the set of competencies described in the Professional Structure Model (PSM) developed by PTA.
The main 'tools' are:
There are many other tools which are extremely valuable in specific circumstances.
