Sample interview questions: How do you approach play therapy sessions with children who have experienced loss of a pet or significant animal relationships?
Sample answer:
Adaptive Play Therapy Approach:
1. Create a safe and supportive space:
- Establish a comfortable and familiar environment where the child feels safe and respected.
- Respect the child’s boundaries and pace, allowing them to lead the play and process their emotions at their own pace.
2. Validate and normalize feelings:
- Acknowledge the child’s grief and loss, validating their feelings as real and important.
- Help them understand that their emotions are a normal part of the grieving process and that they are not alone.
3. Use symbolic play to explore emotions:
- Encourage children to use toys and play materials to represent their feelings and experiences related to the pet.
- Guide them through role-playing or storytelling to express their grief, anger, sadness, or guilt.
4. Facilitate communication through art and creative activities:
- Allow children to express their emotions through drawing, painting, or other art forms.
- Encourage them to create memorials or drawings of their pet to help them cope with the loss.
5. Encourage positive coping mechanisms:
- Help children develop healthy coping mecha… Read full answer