Abstract
Although play is used by professionals specifically trained to work with children in health settings, it is important that all involved with children understand how they can also use playful approaches to support the children and families that they encounter. While some aspects of therapy require extensive training, there is much that nurses and allied health professionals can do to ease the fear and anxiety of children and caregivers in relation to hospital and the associated procedures and experiences. Time spent to reduce and prevent medical trauma now can make a lifetime of difference for a child. While many professionals use play in their work with children, how they use and refer to it differs. This chapter commences with the early origins of play therapy and then drills down to explain each of the 20 core Therapeutic Powers of Play within the four domains facilitating communication, fostering emotional wellness, increasing personal strengths, and enhancing social relationships.
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Melita, F.M., Parson, J.A. (2022). Play in Therapy and the Therapeutic Powers of Play. In: Parson, J.A., Dean, B.J., Hadiprodjo, N.A. (eds) Integrating Therapeutic Play Into Nursing and Allied Health Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-16938-0_2
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