Play therapy through the eyes of families

Study purpose. Play therapy practice prioritizes the child's role in the therapeutic process. Empirical research and clinical evidence extensively support the efficacy of play therapy in addressing various mental health concerns. Notably, play therapy is a universally accessible intervention, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, thus providing individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and communication styles with a unique platform for self-expression and exploration. Material and methods. Metaphor studies have emerged as a valuable tool for families with children undergoing play therapy, offering them a means to articulate their experiences meaningfully. Result. This study delves into the significance of play therapy in children's lives by examining family perspectives expressed through metaphors. Using a qualitative research model, we conducted a systematic content analysis to examine the data collected through these metaphors. The research sample comprises children from 100 families participating in play therapy sessions tailored to meet their specific needs in Istanbul. A total of 9 themes emerged. The themes that emerged from the study encompass various dimensions of play therapy's impact on children's lives, including Play/Entertainment, Necessity, Learning/Education, Imagination/Fantasy, Communication/Expression, Development, Emotions/Feelings, Social Interaction, Health, and Creativity. Conclusion. In conclusion, synthesising research findings underscores play therapy's holistic and multifaceted influence on child development and well-being. By integrating enjoyable activities, fostering cognitive growth, facilitating social interaction, encouraging emotional expression, and promoting physical and mental well-being, play therapy interventions offer a comprehensive framework for nurturing children's holistic development and well-being.