Virginia Axline

Virginia Axline is the pioneer of non-directive Play Therapy for children. Her therapy is based on Carl Roger’s person centered therapy. In her famous book, Dibs: In Search of Self (1964), Virginia Axline states,” The therapeutic value of this kind of psychotherapy is based on the child experiencing himself as capable, responsible person in a relationship that tries to communicate to him two basic rules: that no one ever really knows as much about any human being’s inner world as does the individual himself; and that responsible freedom grows and develops from inside the person.”  Through the play therapy a child learns self- respect and self-responsibility which directs him towards respecting others.

Virginia Axline’s basic principles of Play Therapy consists of the following-

·         Complete acceptance of the child

·         Play is natural language of children and the main avenue of expressing their thoughts and feelings

·         Children try to understand and solve their problems through play

·         Child leads the way in the therapy

·         Therapy is progressed at the child’s pace.

·         The therapist responds in a non-directive way to facilitate growth and understanding

·         Strong therapeutic relationship based on warmth and positive regard for the child is essential for achieving change.

·         The therapist meets the children at their emotional level. Therapist has respect for the child’s ability to solve problems.

·         Therapist provides a safe and secure environment for a child to explore his/her feelings and emotions.