Speel as beradingstegniek: ’n Pastorale studie

Abstract

Children have a need for effective pastoral counselling. Therefore, the use of play as an effective counseling technique is explored. A summary definition of play therapy can be expressed as the environment that is created for children in which they feel safe and can use their natural inclination to play for the expression and processing of emotions. Over the years, play therapy has expanded and today various professions make use of it. Play therapy has several functions, of which the development of an emotional vocabulary, the confrontation of trauma, release play and emotional processing are just a few. However, there is a gap in this area: play as a tool is not applied enough in the pastoral counseling field of children. This study served as a guidance tool for pastoral counselors to counsel children on their level of understanding. Since pastoral counseling is focused on counseling that is supported by biblical principles, the researcher attempted to justify the use of play in the context of pastoral counseling with biblical principles as well. Although there is no direct mention of play as counseling in the Bible, there are several principles that relate to the research question. The researcher investigated these principles in depth; as well as other related topics that will be discussed further. The researcher conducts a literature study using Osmer's (2008) model to answer the research questions. The first task was focused on the background and descriptive aspects of play therapy. Osmer's (2008) second task revolved around information from various metatheoretical fields that strengthened the information in the study. The third task, namely the normative task, determined which normative insights could be obtained from Scripture to support play as a counseling technique in the pastoral guidance of children. Finally, the researcher applied Osmer's (2008) fourth task by using the results of the research to formulate own meta-theoretical guidelines for play as a counseling tool. The researcher found that there are several techniques that pastoral counselors can use for various specialized situations within pastoral counseling with children. Principles around God's heart for children, helping in the Bible, as well as creativity and symbolism, support the use of play as a counseling technique. Using biblical principles and practical guidelines from interdisciplinary fields, the researcher was able to highlight various games and toys that are appropriate for children and the processing of emotional struggles. The value of this study carries enormous weight in the flourishing of children. With the help of effective communication and assistance, pastoral counselors can make use of children's natural inclination to play in order to provide effective support. Play and creative communication for children not only have emotional and psychological benefits, but it also paves the way for an open relationship in families, facilitating the learning of certain principles and it can also establish a relationship between God and child.