The perspectives of psychosexual therapists towards using play therapy techniques in sex and relationship therapy: A qualitative study

Play therapy is an intervention traditionally used with children that is beginning to be used with adults. One area of use is within the psychosexual context; however, there is an absence of empirical research in this area. This qualitative study explored therapists’ perspectives on using play therapy techniques in psychosexual therapy. The 16 participants were either qualified or trainee psychosexual therapists. Data were collected through focus group interviews and analysed thematically. Four interlinking themes were identified: (1) playfulness already used but not recognised as play therapy; (2) delivery and receiving of play techniques; (3) attachment; and (4) well-being and social skills. Overall, participants believed there were benefits to using play therapy in the psychosexual context but that the therapeutic environment should be conducive to its use. Recommendations for practice include views about whether or not play therapy can be further developed and refined for use within the psychosexual context.