Digital Play Therapy™ With Sexually Abused Children and Adolescents

In the complex landscape of treating childhood sexual abuse (CSA), the pursuit of effective therapeutic methods to aid young clients is an enduring endeavor. Traditional play therapy has long been a cornerstone in treating this client population, emphasizing essential elements like connection, safety, and validation. Contemporary play therapy extends the therapeutic space into the digital realm with Digital Play Therapy™ (DPT). DPT is a powerful modality that upholds these foundational cornerstones, incorporates key theoretical components, and provides a vehicle to advance the treatment plan forward. By creating an environment where both therapist and child can engage through digital activities, DPT offers a prescriptive and interactive approach to CSA treatment. This chapter presents a brief overview of Digital Play Therapy, components of current CSA treatment conceptualizations and approaches, and a case example illustrating how DPT can be utilized with clients. Digital Play Therapy can revolutionize how we approach CSA treatment by offering an integrative, contemporary avenue for healing that aligns with the needs of our clients.