ABSTRACT
In general, the psychoanalytic approach to play emphasizes the use of the therapist's interpretation of a child's words and actions, as well as the analysis of the transference relationship, to help children achieve insight into their unconscious conflicts. Through play activities she encouraged the child to express fantasies, anxieties, and defenses which she then interpreted. D. M. Levy stimulated considerable interest in this method by reporting success with children between the ages of two and ten with "release" therapy. The process of repetition is an important element in release therapy because by repeatedly playing out a difficulty or loss the natural slow healing process of nature can take place. Structured or release therapy should only be employed when a positive therapeutic relationship is firmly established and the child is judged to possess sufficient ego strength to tolerate an emotional upheaval. A major advantage of structured play therapy is that it increases the specificity of treatment.
