ABSTRACT
Limit setting is one of the most important aspects of play therapy and seems to be the most problematic area for play therapists. The inexperienced therapist often feels insecure and is slow to apply limits. Sometimes the therapist is reluctant because of a desire to be liked by the child. Limits provide structure for the development of the therapeutic relationship and help to make the experience a real-life relationship. Without limits a relationship would have little value. The fact that the therapist struggles with setting limits speaks loudly of the therapist’s valuing of self, the child, and the relationship. Emotional and social growth is not likely to occur in disorganized, chaotic relationships, and according to Moustakas (1959), therapy cannot occur without limits.
