100 | Mess-Making Play Theme in Play Therapy
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Episode summary
In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I dive into the theme of mess making play in child-centered play therapy. Mess making play is when a child intentionally creates chaos and disorder within the therapeutic playroom. I explain that this behavior can manifest in various ways, such as pouring water or sand all over the room, throwing toys, or scattering items. I delve into the possible meanings behind this behavior, which can range from expressing anger towards me as the therapist, externalizing internal chaos, seeking freedom from perfectionism, to testing my ability to handle emotional messiness. Understanding these themes can help us better connect with the children in therapy and communicate the value of our work to parents and caregivers.