ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of the play therapist in responding to children’s emotions within play therapy. It discusses how theories of emotional development and new understanding from neuroscience can inform play therapy practice. The chapter focuses on to aggression within both children’s play and the therapeutic relationship. It considers the role of limit-setting in supporting emotional development and end with a brief reflection on the importance of therapist self-awareness, as a core aspect of effective therapy. A number of change mechanisms have been identified within play therapy, including catharsis, defined as the release of deep emotion; the provision of a corrective emotional experience with the therapist; and promoting the mastery of feelings and behaviour through rehearsal within play. Within the play therapy relationship, the therapist consciously utilizes both emotional and cognitive processes within the play, building the child’s emotional understanding and supporting their overall executive functioning.
