Can psychotherapeutic interventions be introduced in a playful manner to families and children affected by HIV / AIDS? Working from an ecosystemic worldview, this dissertation undertakes an investigation into the possibilities of working with HIV / AIDS affected children and families in South Africa in a playful manner in psychotherapy. Through a process of co-creating and reflecting, the narratives of four psychotherapists are used to describe their experiences of playfulness and psychotherapy with HIV / AIDS affected persons. These narratives are presented against a background of a research literature discussion of HIV / AIDS and play in therapy. It is argued that playful psychotherapeutic interventions with HIV / AIDS affected children and families are possible, given four criteria. Firstly, the basic resource requirements, food, clothing and transport, of the children and family members must be in place before emotional needs can be adequately addressed. Secondly, children should be allowed in the therapeutic space with the rest of the family. Thirdly, psychotherapists should be trained to make psychotherapy more child friendly. Lastly, these therapists should be willing to engage in a playful manner with their clients, and not fall prey to the stigma of HIV / AIDS. / Dissertation (MA (Counseling Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Psychology / unrestricted

For centuries humans and animals have shared their lives. However, it is only in recent decades that the phenomenon of the human-animal bond and the possible therapeutic implications thereof has begun to be explored. Due to this exploration, many research programmes have sprung up around the world, investigating the implementation of animals as an intervention in various institutions. These programmes have produced overwhelmingly positive and encouraging results. However, the research remains sparse where the significance of a naturally occurring human-animal bond is concerned. From within an ecosystemic worldview, the relationship between humans and animals in the wider family system has not been extensively investigated. This dissertation explores such a relationship, investigating the meanings and experiences within the relationship, and how this relationship and significant systems around it impact one another. The implications and possible therapeutic nature of this type of relationship will be considered. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

For centuries humans and animals have shared their lives. However, it is only in recent decades that the phenomenon of the human-animal bond and the possible therapeutic implications thereof has begun to be explored. Due to this exploration, many research programmes have sprung up around the world, investigating the implementation of animals as an intervention in various institutions. These programmes have produced overwhelmingly positive and encouraging results. However, the research remains sparse where the significance of a naturally occurring human-animal bond is concerned. From within an ecosystemic worldview, the relationship between humans and animals in the wider family system has not been extensively investigated. This dissertation explores such a relationship, investigating the meanings and experiences within the relationship, and how this relationship and significant systems around it impact one another. The implications and possible therapeutic nature of this type of relationship will be considered. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)