Description

Play Therapy can be adapted for adolescents by using age-appropriate activities
like expressive arts, games, and tactile tools, in addition to traditional child-focused
play. This approach provides a safe, non-verbal outlet for adolescents to express
complex emotions, navigate challenges, build self-awareness, and improve
problem-solving and social skills during a time of significant change.

Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the stages of development and analyze Havighurst’s developmental
tasks of adolescence as they relate to Play Therapy interventions.
2. Evaluate and select appropriate adolescent assessment tools that can be
effectively utilized within Play Therapy practice.
3. Examine the neurobiology of the adolescent brain and interpret its
implications for therapeutic approaches in Play Therapy.
4. Analyze the impact of trauma on adolescents and determine how Play
Therapy can be used to support recovery and resilience

5. Identify and apply suitable Play Therapy tools and techniques that address
the unique developmental and emotional needs of adolescent clients.
6. Assess contemporary issues influencing adolescent wellbeing—such as
violent extremism, human trafficking, and the negative effects of social
media—and integrate this understanding into ethical and informed Play
Therapy practice.