ABSTRACT
Aggressive behavior is of particular interest in play therapy. Young children are naturally aggressive and as they grow older, they begin to channel aggressive energies into more productive and self-enriching behaviors. Social learning theorists argue that aggressive behavior is a learned behavior that increases with acceptance and continued exposure to violent actions. Aggressive behaviors occur early in development and appear to be normal expressions of emotions or desires. Aggression and the accompanying skills and processes needed to sublimate aggressive tendencies into productive functioning are documented throughout child development literature. What appears to be more controversial is the need for aggressive expression in play therapy. The first step in allowing expression of aggression in the playroom is offering materials that encourage a wide range of expression. The child’s aggressive behaviors may stir up negative feelings in a play therapist, such as feeling ineffective, helpless, and unlikable.
