Thingymibob Group: Staff experiences of implementing a play-based therapy group in an adolescent secure hospital

Abstract

AimsThis article explores the experience of a team of staff from psychology, occupational therapy and educational backgrounds in setting up a play-based therapy group in a secure hospital for adolescents. This is a specialised environment for adolescents with complex presentations, who have often experienced early relational trauma and have a variety of emotional and developmental difficulties which have impacted on their access to play earlier in childhood.MethodThematic analysis was conducted on interviews with the staff facilitating the group.FindingsThe staff team reflected on the group’s aims of building confidence, improving social skills, enhancing relationships between young people and staff and regulating arousal. Emerging themes illustrated the benefits of a more permissive forum, characterised by ‘less correction, more connection,’ within an environment requiring extensive risk management. Deeper connections with others were felt to allow the young people to feel ‘safe to explore’ and become ‘disarmed.’LimitationsWhilst this study offers a rich description of the group within the service context and the perceived benefits, further research is required to draw statistical conclusions about the benefits to the individuals attending.ConclusionsPiloting the group demonstrated feasibility and a variety of potential benefits to the adolescents involved. The group was relatively easy to implement and could be of interest to child and educational psychologists in a variety of settings.