If you’re wondering how play therapists choose their toys, it’s according to these Play Therapy Themes.
It doesn’t matter how many toys you have, but that you have toy in each category. This gives your child a wide toy choice so that they can express what they need to. If you watch carefully, you might also start to notice different play themes coming out in your child’s play. Look for one of these:
Power and Aggression Themes
–Good Guy vs. Bad Guy
–Aggressor-Victim (Child as Aggressor or Victim)
–Generalized Aggression
–Dying/Death
–Devouring
–Power Overcoming Weakness
–Seeking Power/Authority/Wisdom
Family Relationship and Nurturance Themes
–Constancy
–Togetherness/Separation
–Nurturing Others
–Self-Nurturance
–Failed Nurturance
–Self-Neglect or Punishment
–Lack of Attachment/Detachment
–Parent/Caregiver-Child
–Regression
–Exits and Entrances to Family System
Control and Safety Themes
–Danger
–Rescue
–Escape
–Fire/Disasters
–Burying or Drowning
–Broken/Sick/Hurt
–Fixing/Repairing/Doctoring
–Cleaning
–Messing
–Sorting
–Containing
–Protecting
–Controlling
–Refusal/Inaction
–Manipulation
Exploration and Mastery Themes
–Sensory/Environment Exploration
–Mastery/Competence
–Cheating/Winning
–Creativity
Interaction Themes
–Building Relationship With Adult
–General Positive Interactions
–General Negative Interactions
–Boredom
–Acceptance/Rejection
Sexualized Play
–Sexual Activities
–Sexual Behaviors Directed at Adult
–Sexual Curiosity