The History of Play Therapy (con’t.)
● 1782-1852 Friedrich Froebel- German Philosopher who coined the term Kindergarten. Created Froebel
gifts to demonstrate that children learn through play.
● 1856-1959 Sigmund Freud - In the case of “Little Hans”, Freud recommended play.
● 1871-1924 Hermine von Hug Hellmuth - became the first to formally treat children through talk and play
1890-1973 Margaret Lowenfeld- Left pediatrics to begin the psychiatric treatment of children. Lowenfeld
later determined the The World Technique can be used with all ages. Margaret Lowenfeld's approach to child
Psychotherapy - YouTube
● 1882-1960 Melanie Klein- one of the first play therapists, encouraged children to use toys and play
materials
● 1895-1982 Anna Freud - Founded the first psychoanalytic center for children in London in 1953
● 1895-1971 D. W. Winnicott- wrote about the role of play in child development
● 1904-1990 Dora Kalff - Jungian Sandplay Therapist went to study with Margaret Lowenfeld.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWd40dMH70c
● 1911-1988 Virginia Axline - Based on Carl Rogers Person centered movement - Non-directive Play Therapy
1960-1970 Gary Landreth - Founder of Largest Play Therapy Training Center in the World
1980-1990 International Association for Play Therapy - emphasis on creative techniques and increase in
training programs: Regulation of “Registered Play Therapists”
2000-Present Expansion of APT and increased PR for Play Therapy - emphasis on research and efficacy of
Play Therapy - Regulations specific to supervision implemented in 2009