Nature-Based Play Therapy

In this chapter, practitioners are introduced to the use of nature-based play therapy with children and adolescents who have experienced sexual trauma. Research supports the use of play therapy with sexual abuse survivors of all ages, as well as nature-based therapies with adult survivors. Positive changes in many common symptoms of posttrauma responses have been attributed to the curative factors of both play and nature, so combining the two modalities is reasonable and appropriate for treatment. A clinical case study is presented in this chapter that outlines the course of nature-based play therapy treatment with a young girl who experienced sexual victimization. Using nature-based metaphors, open play space, and exposure to variations in nature throughout treatment contributed to her growth and healing. Potential limitations to the modality are discussed. Nature-based play therapy shows potential as a powerful and effective form of treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced sexual abuse.