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.

Pretend play ability in preschool-aged children with an acquired brain injury.

Introduction: This study compares the self-initiated pretend play abilities of preschool-aged children with an acquired brain injury, with the self-initiated pretend play ability of their neurotypical peers.

Method: A non-experimental group comparison was conducted between 22 preschool-aged neurotypical children (M = 52.8 months, SD = 7.

Can children's play themes be assessed to inform play therapy practice?

In play therapy with children, identifying play themes is key to understanding the meaning within sessions, and allows therapists to systematically track therapeutic change. This study investigated if play themes could be identified using a time limited, standardized assessment, for children aged 5-7 years. A descriptive, observational mixed methods, non-experimental study with 30 typically developing children was conducted, with participants assessed individually on one occasion using the Child-Initiated Pretend Play Assessment (ChIPPA).

A review of the literature - The use of interactive puppet simulation in nursing education and children's healthcare.

The use of puppets in health care is emerging as a mode of simulation that combines elements of engaging with the child through play whilst at the same time providing education. This review examines the impact when nurses use play therapy or puppets as a simulation modality in nursing education and in the clinical paediatric nursing environment. Electronic search was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO data bases, between 1980 and January 2015 with the combinations of play therapy; puppetry; nursing education; nursing; simulation; health professionals and puppets.