African-American Parents' Perceptions of Play, Counseling, and Play Therapy

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to learn about African American parents' perceptions of play, counseling, and play therapy. Research interviews conducted with eight African American parents with elementary school aged children offered insight regarding parents' thoughts and experiences. This study explored the question, "What are African American parents'perceptions of play therapy?" In particular, this study explored questions that pertained to African American parents' (a) thoughts about counseling, (b) beliefs about the purpose of play, and (c) perceptions about play as a therapeutic agent in counseling. Analysis of African American parents' perceptions of play, counseling, and play therapy revealed information about two main themes: (a) value of play, and (b) receptivity to counseling. Parents identified developmental learning and the release of energy as two of the main values surrounding play. Parents also indicated that their receptivity to counseling was directly related to specific facilitative factors as well as the lack thereof or impediments to counseling. Ideally, this study will add to the body of research regarding play therapy as well as research regarding multicultural counseling. Both fields have very few previous studies addressing these issues. This study provides practitioners with insight regarding potential clients' perceptions of counseling and play therapy, and may inform clinical work with diverse populations as well as best practices for play therapists.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Foundations

Year

2006

Author dc:creator

• Brumfield, Kristy Alaine

Contributors dc:contributor

• Christensen, Teresa
• Remley, Ted
• Hulse-Killacky, Diana

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/417

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarworks.uno.edu:td-1438