Sample interview questions: How do you involve children in the development of therapeutic narratives or storytelling during play therapy sessions?
Sample answer:
- Encourage Children to Lead the Narrative:
- Allow the child to choose the toys, characters, or themes they want to use during playtime.
-
Follow the child’s lead and let them set the pace and direction of the story.
-
Use Open-Ended Questions:
- Ask questions that encourage the child to elaborate on their story and explore their thoughts and emotions.
- Avoid leading questions that suggest a particular answer or solution.
-
For example, instead of asking, “Why are you feeling sad?” you could ask, “Can you tell me more about how you’re feeling?”
-
Reflect and Validate the Child’s Feelings:
- Pay attention to the child’s emotional expressions and reflect them back in a supportive manner.
- Use phrases like, “I see that you’re feeling angry/sad/scared,” or “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
-
Validating the child’s emotions helps them feel understood and accepted.
-
Use Metaphors and Creative Expression:
- Incorporate metaphors, art, music, or other creative forms to help the child express thei… Read full answer