RPT Play Therapy Theories & Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Adlerian play therapy, the therapist's primary goal during the early phase is to:
- Interpret unconscious symbolism in play
- Build an egalitarian therapeutic relationship (Correct answer)
- Teach coping skills through directive play
- Identify and reflect core emotional states
Correct answer: Build an egalitarian therapeutic relationship
Adlerian play therapy emphasizes an egalitarian relationship where the therapist collaborates as an equal partner rather than an authority figure.
Question 2: Which technique is most characteristic of Theraplay?
- Sand tray world-building
- Structured nurturing activities guided by the therapist (Correct answer)
- Non-directive free play with minimal therapist involvement
- Expressive arts and storytelling
Correct answer: Structured nurturing activities guided by the therapist
Theraplay uses structured, therapist-guided activities focused on nurture, engagement, challenge, and structure to improve attachment.
Question 3: The concept of 'clean language' in play therapy is most associated with which approach?
- Cognitive-behavioral play therapy
- Narrative play therapy (Correct answer)
- Filial therapy
- Ecosystemic play therapy
Correct answer: Narrative play therapy
Narrative play therapy uses clean language to follow the child's own metaphors and story without imposing the therapist's interpretations.
Question 4: A play therapist using the Ecosystemic model would MOST likely:
- Remain non-directive and follow the child's lead exclusively
- Involve family, school, and community systems in treatment (Correct answer)
- Focus solely on the child's intrapsychic conflicts
- Use only interpretive techniques based on psychoanalytic theory
Correct answer: Involve family, school, and community systems in treatment
The Ecosystemic model integrates multiple theoretical perspectives and involves all relevant systems surrounding the child.
Question 5: In Developmental Play Therapy, Brody emphasizes which core therapeutic mechanism?
- Symbolic interpretation of play themes
- Physical touch and developmental holding experiences (Correct answer)
- Systematic desensitization through play
- Contingency management and behavioral contracts
Correct answer: Physical touch and developmental holding experiences
Viola Brody's Developmental Play Therapy centers on intentional touch and physical attunement to address early developmental gaps.
Question 6: Which statement best describes the role of limit-setting in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)?
- Limits are rarely set to preserve therapeutic freedom
- Limits protect safety, materials, and the therapeutic relationship without judgment (Correct answer)
- Limits are set behaviorally to reinforce appropriate play
- Limits follow a strict behavioral contract negotiated with parents
Correct answer: Limits protect safety, materials, and the therapeutic relationship without judgment
In CCPT, limits are set using the ACT model to keep the child safe and protect the relationship while maintaining an accepting attitude.
Question 7: Gestalt play therapy primarily uses expressive arts and enactment to:
- Reinforce adaptive coping strategies through reward systems
- Increase awareness and integration of fragmented self-experiences (Correct answer)
- Identify irrational cognitions and replace them with rational ones
- Reduce physiological arousal through relaxation training
Correct answer: Increase awareness and integration of fragmented self-experiences
Gestalt play therapy focuses on heightening awareness and helping children integrate split-off parts of their experience into a unified whole.
RPT Play Therapy Theories & Techniques 2
In Adlerian play therapy, the therapist's primary goal during the early phase is to: