Conference Themes

To support the aims of the conference, presentations are invited around the following themes:

Theme 1: The evidence for play therapy

This theme addresses the need for evidence for the effectiveness for various forms of play therapy practice (including filial therapy and work with parents and families) in addressing various problems faced by young people and their families. Under this theme, presentations are invited that share results from systematic reviews, or studies of the evidence of play therapy, including randomized control trials, cohort studies and case studies.

Theme 2: The relationship and process of play therapy

This theme includes contributions that further our understanding of the process of play therapy, as well as showcase work with caregivers and families, such as filial therapy. This may include case material and process or process-outcome studies that clarify the progress towards change in play therapy. Studies that explore the therapeutic relationship and interpersonal processes are included within this theme.

Theme 3: Cultural contextualization in play therapy

This theme invites contributions which focus on play therapy practice (involving children as well as caregivers) in cultural context. Presentations which offer the effectiveness of play therapy models with particular cultural groups, or that demonstrate culture-informed intervention, or that suggest adaptations to technique, or highlight the challenges of therapeutic relationships with children and families are all welcomed under this theme.

Theme 4: Advances and digitalization of play therapy practice

Under this theme, contributions are invited which may demonstrate advances in play therapy practice, particularly those that make use of digital technologies for play therapy, or related play-based intervention. Contributions which highlight the novel uses of digital technology, and its influence on outcomes or the interpersonal process are encouraged.

Theme 5: Play therapy education and training in cultural context

Contributions under this theme include those that may enhance play therapy education. This may include experiences and studies focused on aspects of play therapy education and training, or that address the role of culture in play therapy training, as well as digitalization in contemporary training are all invited under this theme.

Theme 6: Resilience and Wellbeing in Children and Families

This theme invites contributions of work that furthers our understanding of resilience and well-being of children, as well as their caregivers and families. Contributions from research and intervention practice that further our understanding of children’s well-being and resilience in cultural context, are encouraged.