Course Resources Archive

This module builds on the work on the theoretical constructs of therapeutic playwork in LE5603. It considers the theoretical underpinnings of psycholudics, drawing on analytical and transpersonal psychology. In particular, the focus is more on application of the techniques and of understanding the self in the play space, building on the understanding of psycholudic perspective on play in LE5603.

There is a suggestion that the rise in 'dis - ease' in children and young people is directly related to their ability to express symbolic material through playing. The playworker can take on a therapeutic application within the play setting. The module builds on work introduced in LE5603Introduction to Therapeutic Playwork to develop knowledge and skills in this area. The module develops and extends the analytical and interpretative nature of the therapeutic playwork approach. It introduces some conceptual and technical applications. It continues the understanding of the technical language, for example: repertoires of responses, the ludic third, the 'witness position', the interrogation of counter-transference, unplayed out material, inner psychic reality. Finally it extends both observational and interpretative practice.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of inner psychic reality
2. Demonstrate a development of a repertoire of responses
3. Critically evaluate the techniques and their theoretical underpinnings explored in the module.
4. Evaluate and apply responsive techniques to the play of the children in the play space
5. Recognise and identify 'unplayed out material', and its emergence in the play space.
6. Use the 'unplayed out material' as a means of analysing and interpreting play material and play content

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.