Interactive Resonance in Work with Children and Adolescents: A theory-based concept of interpersonal relationship through play and the use of toys / Interaktionsresonanz in der Arbeit mit Kindern und Jugendlichen—Ein theoriebegründetes Konzept der interpersonellen Beziehung über Spiel und Spielzeug / La Resonancia Interactiva en el trabajo con niños y adolescentes: un concepto teórico de relación interpersonal a través del juego

Abstract

Play therapists give evidence of Interactive Resonance by playing with the child and by responding to the child's play through their own playing activities on a bodily level, by verbal or nonverbal means. This enhances their capacity to be primarily supportive and encouraging and to give the child space, thus increasing the child's symbolizations on a deeper level. This concept is supported by developmental psychological theories: Stern's theory of self and the theory of attachment behavior enrich the client-centered theory of personality and of empathic interventions. They indicate how empathy and authenticity can be offered in play interactions with a child or an adolescent. Brief descriptions of how in practice the therapist reacts to the child's actions present examples of how to proceed in games with rules, role playing, fights, and setting boundaries.