Impact of play therapy on parent–child relationship stress at a mental health training setting

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT)/Non-Directive Play Therapy on parent–child relationship stress using archival data from 202 child clients divided into clinical behavioural groups over 3–74 sessions in a mental health training setting. Results demonstrated significant differences between pre and post testing on the Parenting Stress Index. CCPT appeared to be especially effective with children identified with clinical externalising behavioural problems, combined externalising and internalising behavioural problems, and children who were not categorised with clinical problem behaviours but whose parents sought counselling services for them. There were also significant differences determined by length of therapy. Results are discussed concerning implications for clinical practice and further research.