Tammy Stoner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, provides presentations, coaching and counseling services. As the developer of the Teddy Bear Technique® Toolkit she demonstrates fast and fun ways to engage in storytelling for adults and children, and quickly reach the hard to reach. As author, presenter and coach, services are guaranteed to create breakthrough results!
Play Therapy Tips and Techniques
Play therapy is increasing in popularity as a treatment tool. Search the internet and you will find loads of toys for the treatment provider. Most sell products and toys with no explanation as to how to apply the tools. Purchase a family of dolls without gender allowing the treatment provider to identify the gender. All based on a model that says that it's important to allow the therapist to help the client identify the toys the way the child wants to view them.
The debate continues as to whether or not treatment is directive or reflective. Direct treatment processes often take an active approach to treatment. The reflective approach allows the client to lead the sessions and the treatment provider acts as a mirror for how the client wants to proceed in treatment. The majority of models ignore the family system, focusing solely on the child. After all, the assumption is that play only works with children. It certainly doesn't apply with adults, or men.
Need a tool that appeals to different races, then look at the "black" dolls, or the "hispanic" dolls. The implication is that if one plays with a doll associated with one's race then that will be more effective than a doll that doesn't. I say there is tremendous need for toys that transform issues of race or gender while recognizing race and gender.
The skill needed to apply toys in clinical practice is dependent upon the skills of the treatment provider. So many of these toys are sold without out skill based manuals. They frequently ignore processes of which the toy is intended.
I developed a play therapy technique for treatment providers that is both innovative and creative in its application. One search on the internet demonstrated many replications and variations since its origination. However the training to apply the tool is missing. A toy can be sold as an innovative play therapy technique but without training in its application it might as well be a toy sitting on the shelf and there are a zillion toys sitting on shelves.
I invite you to learn more about this model and its effectiveness with people of every age, race and socioeconomic group. I have organized the teachings into a total toolkit to provide you with rapid assessments and interventions. I invite you to look over this website and purchase this toolkit for your group or practice.
Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears: Reprinted with permission from Tammy Stoner LCSW at
http://www.TeddyBearTherapy.com 1-770 639-7719
© Tammy Stoner @ The Teddy Bear Technique® All rights reserved.
Please contact us at uniqueidea@aol.com to discuss your situation and to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
