CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A Ludoterapia Centrada na CrianÃa, aqui entendida nÃo somente na proposta original de Axline, mas tambÃm a partir da Ãtica de VanFleet, Sywulak e Sniscak, tem como postulado a noÃÃo de que o brincar à um diÃlogo lÃdico que propicia a expressÃo dos sentimentos e a expansÃo das possibilidades na histÃria de vida da crianÃa. A terapia ajudaria a crianÃa a identificar, reconhecer e expressar melhor seus sentimentos. Cabe ao terapeuta, portanto, apresentar habilidades que possibilitem um espaÃo de seguranÃa para a expressividade da crianÃa. Essa habilidade do terapeuta à compreendida por Amatuzzi como uma predisponibilidade Ãtica. Para que a Ãtica da LCC seja pensada em seu viÃs filosÃfico, toma-se como base para este trabalho a Ãtica da alteridade radical de LÃvinas, que propÃs a responsabilidade como estrutura da subjetividade. A condiÃÃo Ãtica dar-se-ia na abertura e disponibilidade ao Outro, à sua diferenÃa. O Outro levinasiano nÃo conceituÃvel, antecedente e transcendente ao ser, estabelece uma relaÃÃo de assimetria com o Mesmo. Partindo dessas perspectivas, apresenta-se a questÃo norteadora desta pesquisa: qual o lugar destinado ao radicalmente Outro na Ludoterapia Centrada na CrianÃa? Para responder tal questionamento, o seguinte objetivo geral foi traÃado: analisar o lugar destinado ao Outro na Ludoterapia Centrada na CrianÃa. Os objetivos especÃficos sÃo: a investigaÃÃo entre alteridade e subjetividade, a partir da Ãtica levinasiana, na Ludoterapia Centrada na CrianÃa; a realizaÃÃo da releitura da Ludoterapia Centrada na CrianÃa, a partir do radicalmente Outro. A metodologia utilizada à a hermenÃutica filosÃfica de Gadamer, que propÃe a fusÃo de horizontes entre autor e intÃrprete para a criaÃÃo de um novo horizonte de compreensÃo. A partir das aproximaÃÃes entre a Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa e a Ãtica da alteridade radical, realizadas por Vieira e Freire e Schmid, apresenta-se como resultados a existÃncia de espaÃo para o Outro levinasiano na Ludoterapia Centrada na CrianÃa, desde que o terapeuta seja abertura e disponibilidade ao trauma que representa a chegada da crianÃa em sua diferenÃa absoluta. Verifica-se, tambÃm, que a crianÃa que chega para o atendimento se apresenta como Rosto, que remete ao Infinito e à transcendÃncia do Outro. A crianÃa, portanto, seria entendida como o Outro levinasiano, a quem o terapeuta à intimado a responder. Para que a abertura do terapeuta seja possibilitada, este deve vivenciar processos permanentes de inadaptaÃÃo no face a face com a crianÃa. Presta-se agradecimentos pelo apoio da CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior (CAPES) no desenvolvimento deste trabalho. / The Child-Centered Play Therapy, understood not only in the Axlineâs original proposal, but also from the VanFleet, Sywulak and Sniscakâs perspective, has as its premise the notion that the play is a ludic dialogue that promotes the expression of feelings and the expansion of possibilities in the childâs life. The therapy would help the child to identify, recognize and express his/her feelings. The therapist should, therefore, have the skills to enable a safe space for the childâs expression. This ability is understood by Amatuzzi as an ethical previous disponibility. For a philosophical perspective of the ethics of the Child-Centered Play Therapy, it is taken as basis the LÃvinasâ ethics of radical alterity, who proposed the responsibility as subjectivityâs structure. The ethical condition would be developed by the openness and availability to the Other, towards the Otherâs difference. The non-conceptuable levinasian Other, human beingâs antecedent and transcendent, establishes an asymmetric relationship with the Same. From these perspectives, it presents the guiding question of this research: what is the place for the radically Other in Child-Centered Play Therapy? To answer this question, the following general objective was traced: analyze the place reserved to the Other in the Child-Centered Play Therapy. The specific objectives are: inquiry the relation between otherness and subjetivity, based on levinasian ethics, in the Child-Centered Play Therapy; to develop a new reading of Child-Centered Play Therapy, based on radically Other. The chosen methodology was the Gadamerâs philosophical hermeneutics, which proposes the fusion of horizons between the author and the interpreter in order to create a new horizon of comprehension. From the similarities between the Person Centered Therapy and the Ethic of radical alterity, developed by Vieira & Freire and Schmid, it is presented as result that there is a place to the levinasian Other in the Child-Centered Play Therapy, as long as the therapist is openness and disponibility to the trauma that represents the arrival of the child in his/her absolute difference. It is also verified that the child who comes to the attendance, therefore, would be understood as the levinasian Other, whom the therapist is called upon to respond. To enable the therapist openness, he/she (the therapist) should experience permanent processes of inadequacy in the face to face relationship with the child. Grateful for the support of the CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior (CAPES) in the development of this research.

This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of culturally responsive child-centered play therapy when compared to a curriculum-based small group counseling intervention as a school-based intervention for Hispanic children experiencing behavioral problems that place them at risk for academic failure. Specifically, this study measured the effects of the experimental play therapy treatment, compared to Kids' Connection, on reducing Externalizing and Internalizing behavior problems of elementary school-age Hispanic children. Twenty-nine volunteer Hispanic children were randomized to the experimental group (n=15) or the comparison group (n=14). Subjects participated in a weekly 30 minute intervention for a period of 15 weeks. Pre- and posttest data were collected from parent and teachers using the Behavior Assessment Scale for Children (BASC). A two factor mixed repeated measures analysis of variance was computed for each hypothesis, to determine the statistical and practical significance of the difference in the pretest to posttest behavior scores of children in the two groups. According to parents' reports, the children receiving play therapy showed statistically significant decreases in externalizing behaviors problems, specifically conduct problems, and moderate improvements in their internalizing behavior problems, specifically anxiety. Teacher BASC results showed no statistical significance and negligible-to- small practical significance between the two groups at posttest as a result of treatment; however, problems with integrity of data collection of teacher BASCs were noted. This study determined that, according to parents' reports, culturally responsive child-centered play therapy is an effective intervention for school-aged, Hispanic children referred for behavioral problems that have been shown to place them at risk for both academic failure and future, more serious mental health problems. Additionally, culturally responsive considerations regarding counseling Hispanic children and families were explored. This was a progressive research study that, according to a review of the literature, is the first of its kind to focus on the effects of culturally responsive child-centered play therapy treatment with Hispanic, Spanish-speaking children.

This study examined the effectiveness of child centered play therapy (CCPT) with academically at-risk 1st graders. In this quasi-experimental design, twenty-one 1st grade students were assigned to the experimental group and 20 students were assigned to the no treatment control group. The children in the experimental group received two 30 minute play therapy sessions per week for the duration of eight weeks. Three hypotheses were analyzed. A two-factor repeated measures analysis of variances (SPANOVA) were performed on each dependent variable to determine if the experimental group performed differently from the control group across time according to the pretest and posttest results of the Young Child's Achievement Test (YCAT), the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children (PSPCSAYC), and the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS). Additionally, partial η2 was calculated to determine practical significance. One hypothesis was retained at the .05 level of significance. Findings indicated that academically at-risk 1st graders who participated in CCPT scored statistically significant higher on academic achievement. Specifically, children assigned to the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in Early Achievement Composite (p = .03) when compared to children assigned to the no treatment control group. No statistical significant results were found on Self-Concept and Student-Teacher Relationship Stress.

The shortage of bilingual counselors is one barrier to young Latina/o children receiving mental health services. Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is a developmentally responsive intervention based on the premise that play is children's natural means of communication across cultures. This randomized controlled study examined the effects of CCPT with young Spanish-speaking Latina/o children exhibiting clinical levels of school behavior problems. Participants were 57 pre-K to kindergarten Latina/o children (72% male; mean age = 4.0) randomly assigned to three treatment groups: CCPT with Spanish-speaking, bilingual counselors; CCPT with English-speaking, monolingual counselors; or active control (bilingual mentoring). Monolingual counselors participated in cultural competency training and supervision with bilingual counselors and supervisors. According to independent observers and teachers blinded to children's group assignment, both the bilingual CCPT group and the monolingual CCPT group demonstrated moderate treatment effects over bilingual mentoring, yet between-group differences were not statistically significant. Analysis of within-group change over time indicated that children in both CCPT interventions demonstrated statistically significant improvement, while the mentoring group did not. The percentage of children in each treatment group who improved from clinical to normal behavioral functioning suggests the clinical significance of the findings: 80% bilingual CCPT, 70% monolingual CCPT, 15% bilingual mentoring. Overall, findings indicate that CCPT, whether delivered by bilingual counselors or culturally-competent, monolingual counselors, is a promising intervention for young Latina/o children exhibiting behavior problems.

This phenomenological study examined the experiences and perceptions of child-centered play therapists who deliver shortened sessions in the clinic setting. Using the phenomenological analysis procedures based on Moustakas' modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method, a coding team of three doctoral students found 10 themes related to child-centered play therapists' (N = 5) experiences delivering shortened session lengths. Each theme is defined and further described using verbatim transcript examples. This study has practical and clinical implications for child-centered play therapist development and training. The results of this study point to the need for further research in child-centered play therapists' experiences delivering play therapy-as-usual. Finally, future research regarding the change process in child-centered play therapy theory is also implicated.

I examined the effectiveness of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) and person-centered teacher consultation (PCTC) for elementary school children identified with clinical or borderline levels of ADHD behaviors on the Teacher Report Form and the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale Revised - Short Form. Additionally, I examined the impact of CCPT and PCTC on the levels of parenting and teaching stress. Due to the current trend to determine interventions that are evidence-based through between-group or single case designs, for this study, I utilized a single case design experiment for which the behaviors of five children were examined. Trained observers utilized the Direct Observation Form in observations of all five students three times per week. Additionally, parents and teachers completed behavioral rating scales and stress inventories at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. To prevent biased observational ratings, observers were blind to the assignment of the five children. Three students participated in 24 sessions of twice-weekly 30-minute sessions of CCPT, and these students' teachers participated in six sessions of once-weekly 10-minute PCTC. Two students participated in twice-weekly 30-minute sessions of reading mentoring, after which they participated in 14 sessions of CCPT. Visual analysis of the data indicated mixed results. Three students demonstrated substantial improvement in the observed ADHD behaviors within the classroom. Results of the parent and teacher assessment data were inconsistent, but did indicate behavior change for some children and a reduction in teaching stress for one teacher. Parenting stress appeared unaffected. Implications for future research regarding the use of single case design, the measurement of student behavior change, and issues of comorbidity are indicated.

Master of Science / Department of Family Studies and Human Services / Joyce Baptist / This report describes the role of cultural socialization in the ethnic identity formation of internationally adopted children. This report explores the process of integrating the child’s birth culture and the complexities that are involved in raising internationally adopted children. The theoretical frameworks of identity development and social construction will be used to provide a conceptual understanding of the process of ethnic identity development. This report will describe the use of Narrative Therapy and Child-centered Play Therapy to facilitate the process of identity development. Implications for clinical practice will be discussed.

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the efficacy of a short-term structured play therapy treatment program for latency-aged children of divorce between six and twelve years of age. Following parental divorce latency-aged children often manifest disturbed emotional and behavioural functioning in several areas of their lives including issues such as self-image problems and poor academic functioning. In many instances, problems are acute and necessitate effective help in a relatively short time. Several play therapy modalities exist for children with some focusing on problems stemming from divorce. However, due to their complex, unstructured and lengthy nature, most of the treatment programs reviewed were relatively ineffective for most social workers. Increasingly families have little time and/or limited financial resources to commit to long-term therapy. A literature review showed a clear need for a shorter, less complex treatment program to solve the problem of limited finances and time constraints of parents seeking help for their children. A seven-stage, short-term structured play therapy program was developed for this study, including a pre-and post-treatment assessment, which focused on the main areas of dysfunction prominent among latency-aged children of divorce. The program was implemented by treating a female latency-aged child from a divorced family. The findings showed that the short-term structured play therapy program developed for this study appears to be effective in dealing with necessary and important psychological tasks facing children of divorce. The treatment program worked effectively with a female latency-aged child and facilitated psychological and emotional movement in a relatively short period of time. For social workers specialising in child play therapy the treatment program will be easy to use since all activities are clearly structured and explained with materials utilised in the sessions easy to obtain. As such, it could be a necessary and effective addition to the social work profession. / Social Work / D. Phil. (Social Work)

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the efficacy of a short-term structured play therapy treatment program for latency-aged children of divorce between six and twelve years of age. Following parental divorce latency-aged children often manifest disturbed emotional and behavioural functioning in several areas of their lives including issues such as self-image problems and poor academic functioning. In many instances, problems are acute and necessitate effective help in a relatively short time. Several play therapy modalities exist for children with some focusing on problems stemming from divorce. However, due to their complex, unstructured and lengthy nature, most of the treatment programs reviewed were relatively ineffective for most social workers. Increasingly families have little time and/or limited financial resources to commit to long-term therapy. A literature review showed a clear need for a shorter, less complex treatment program to solve the problem of limited finances and time constraints of parents seeking help for their children. A seven-stage, short-term structured play therapy program was developed for this study, including a pre-and post-treatment assessment, which focused on the main areas of dysfunction prominent among latency-aged children of divorce. The program was implemented by treating a female latency-aged child from a divorced family. The findings showed that the short-term structured play therapy program developed for this study appears to be effective in dealing with necessary and important psychological tasks facing children of divorce. The treatment program worked effectively with a female latency-aged child and facilitated psychological and emotional movement in a relatively short period of time. For social workers specialising in child play therapy the treatment program will be easy to use since all activities are clearly structured and explained with materials utilised in the sessions easy to obtain. As such, it could be a necessary and effective addition to the social work profession. / Social Work / D. Phil. (Social Work)

This randomized, controlled study examined the effectiveness of two mentoring programs, child mentor relationship training (CMRT) and peer assistance and leadership (PAL®), on high school mentor empathic behaviors and child mentee behavior problems. Participants were 60 young, at-risk students (61.7% male; 38.3% Hispanic/Latino/a, 31.7% Caucasian, 21.7% African American, 8.3% biracial) and 30 high school students (53.3% male; 66.7% Caucasian, 26.7% Hispanic/Latino/a, 0.03% African American, 0.03% Asian). Mentors and mentees were randomly assigned to CMRT or PAL®, which was treatment as usual in the participating school district. Results from 2 (group) by 2 (time) repeated measures ANOVAs indicated compared to the PAL® treatment group over time, mentors in the CMRT group demonstrated statistically significant improvement in empathic behaviors with a large treatment effect, as rated by independent observers. Analysis revealed a moderate treatment effect with CMRT group mentee behavior problems, but the difference was not statistically significant between treatment groups over time. Further analysis revealed the CMRT group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in behavior problems from pre- to post-test with a very large treatment effect. Overall, findings support CMRT as a promising school-based intervention for at-risk young children that potentially increases school counselor efficiency.