Activities for Parents

This chapter provides lesson plans and materials lists for five activities that play therapists can use with parents. The purpose of these activities is to help develop empathy for the parent, the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the parent, and the parent-child relationship, while also exploring barriers that may be impacting the parent. These activities can be implemented in parent consultations or in individual counseling work with parents. Each activity includes step-by-step instructions and the rationale for each one is provided, along with a list of any materials needed. The chapter also contains two case examples, which readers can review for reference or use as a guide when directing the parent throughout the activity.