Adlerian Play Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills: An Integrated Approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT The prevalence of youth mental illness in the United States is on the rise, and this increases the need for effective counseling interventions for children. This article introduces the integration of Adlerian play therapy (AdPT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills with children who struggle with emotion dysregulation. We include an overview of both theoretical approaches, justification for integration, and a case study illustrating this dual approach in session. Finally, counseling implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.