What is Spirituality in Play Therapy?
Talking about spirituality in mental health has come a long way since I first started my journey as a child and adolescent therapist back in 1990.
Back then, discussing spirituality was one of “those things” we don’t discuss in polite company, especially with our clients in therapy, because it’s such a “sensitive” topic. (sex, religion, and politics- right?)
And from the perspective of most grownups, children weren’t really considered to be able to understand spiritual matters.
We’ve come a long way since the 1990s. Thank goodness!
So, what is spirituality in play therapy? Is it okay to even consider spirituality in play therapy?
Well, according to my AI search with Dr. Google, 😁👇
“In play therapy, ‘spirituality’ refers to the exploration of a child’s sense of connection to something larger than themselves, often through play-based activities, which can involve themes of meaning, purpose, wonder, and connection to nature, others, or a higher power, regardless of specific religious beliefs. It’s about accessing a deeper part of their being through the playful process.”
I’ve been pondering spiritual things in my own ongoing healing journey as a play therapist and was curious what the research had to say about spirituality, children, and mental health, sooooo …👇
I went down the research library rabbit hole 🐇🐇🐇and found this gem of an article by Shelley A. Jackson discussing this very topic!!
Ms. Jackson examined the research literature as it related to mental health treatment and spirituality to help children heal at a deep level and become more of their authentic selves while building resiliency.
She examined what the literature identified for both the positive and negative aspects of integrating spirituality in the counseling process with children and their families.
Curious to learn what she found out?
Then join me for this free weekly livestream!
When: Wednesday, April 02, 2025
Time: 7:00 am Pacific time (Los Angeles)/ 10:00 am Eastern time (New York)/3:00 pm UK -London time.
Citation and link to article:
Jackson, S. A. (2012). Children, Spirituality, and Counselling. American Journal of Applied Psychology, 1(1), 1-5. doi: 10.11648/j.ajap.20120101.11
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274990642_Children_Spirituality_and_Counselling