The utilisation of Gestalt Play Therapy in occupational therapy intervention with traumatised children

Abstract

The aim of the qualitative study was to explore and describe the utilisation of Gestalt Play Therapy in Occupational Therapy intervention with traumatised children. An applied study was conducted and the case study strategy was used with a flexible design. Objectives for the study included conducting literature reviews regarding the profile of the traumatised child and Occupational Therapy and Gestalt Play Therapy intervention with the traumatised child. The empirical study included data collection and analysis, with data gathered through semi-structured interviews. The gathered data was analysed with the use of Creswell's Data Analysis Spiral.

The empirical data showed that Occupational Therapists do utilise Gestalt Play Therapy in their intervention with traumatised children by drawing on their combined knowledge base of Gestalt Play Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapists then conduct a holistic assessment and treatment aims are set according to the assessment with a focus on providing holistic intervention.