Sample interview questions: How do you handle situations where a child displays aggressive or violent behavior towards you or others during play therapy?
Sample answer:
- Establish a Strong Therapeutic Relationship:
- Build rapport and trust with the child through empathy, active listening, and respect for their experiences.
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Use child-centered play therapy techniques to create a safe, non-judgmental space for the child to express their emotions.
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Assessment and Observation:
- Conduct a thorough assessment to understand the underlying causes of the child’s aggressive or violent behavior.
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Use observations during play therapy sessions to identify triggers, patterns, and potential contributing factors.
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Safety First:
- Ensure the safety of the child, yourself, and others in the play therapy room.
- Set clear rules and boundaries regarding aggressive behavior and ensure the child understands the consequences of their actions.
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Have a crisis plan in place for managing situations that escalate beyond verbal intervention.
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Redirection and Containment:
- Use redirection techniques to guide the child’s attention towards more constructive and appropriate activities.
- Provide containment by setting limits and helping the child learn to manage their emotions and impulses.
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Model appropriate emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills through play.
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Skill Building and Emotional Regulation:
- Teach the child emotional regulation skills such as identifying and managing emotions, developing coping mechanisms, and practicing relaxation techniques.
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Introduce social skills training to help the child learn how to communicate th… Read full answer