The role of the play therapist in supporting children and families following a natural disaster: A scoping review

Background

The predicted rise in weather-related disasters indicates that many Australian children and their families will be affected by these events in the future. Play therapy, an emerging profession in Australia, may provide valuable support to children exposed to these events.

Methods

A scoping review was designed to map the existing literature and the role of the play therapist in supporting children (aged 3–12 years) and families following natural disasters, and to formulate a model to guide play therapists in the future.

Results

A systematic search of the literature was performed and a total of 25 articles were identified as relevant to the role of the play therapist in response to natural disasters.

Conclusion

Play therapists must be mindful of the different phases of natural disaster response and how their role may vary across these phases. In the early stages post-disaster, a play therapist may be involved in psychoeducation, facilitating therapeutic play and community involvement. More formal clinical play therapy interventions that focus on the individual child or family are better suited to the latter stages of disaster response. There is a need for further research into the impact of natural disasters on children and families and interventions that aid mental health and well-being, especially for children who may be more vulnerable and potentially overlooked in the wake of such disasters. Further research is also needed into the effectiveness of play therapy as a post-disaster intervention for children.