Therapeutic relationships with infants and families

This chapter is presented as a conversation between a Play therapist and a Drama therapist, offering their perspectives on building therapeutic relationships. The dialogue is developed around simple questions that facilitate the exploration of key themes such as play, conditions for therapeutic relationships and healing, psychotherapy, boundaries and containment in relationships. Key theories underpinning this chapter include Axline&s;s concept (1950) that play experiences are therapeutic because they provide a secure relationship between the child and the adult, enabling the child to express themselves freely. Carl Rogers’ person-centred core conditions for therapeutic growth (1957) are also discussed, alongside Bruce Perry&s;s (2023) Regulation, Relate and Reason model. Additionally, the chapter covers Dyadic Development Practice (DDP) and the PACE model, highlighting how an attitude of PACE in parenting helps reveal children&s;s strengths and fosters trust (Hughes, 2011).