Using Integrative Play Therapy with Adoptive Families to Treat Reactive Attachment Disorder

Abstract

This article outlines a case example of treatment using an integrative play therapy approach to treat an adoptive family where Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) was present. From a theoretical perspective, this article contributes to our understanding of how to integrate Structural Family Therapy, Theraplay(r), and other selected family play therapy models to target the needs of a specific population and diagnosis (namely adoptive families struggling with RAD). In terms of its value to current clinical practitioners, rich descriptions of play activities and techniques, along with their intended purposes, are also included. This study demonstrates preliminary research indications that play therapy with adoptive families does yield positive descriptive outcomes to treat Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Key Words:

• Integrative theory
• play therapy
• adoption
• reactive attachment disorder