PTUK's research policies and activities are based on our
systemic view of
play therapy practice. This shows the importance of the
evidence base upon which our competency framework, the foundation of
training, learning and practice is constructed. PTUK's approach to play
therapy practice is evidence based.
In turn the evidence base is updated by original research and practice
based evidence. The main emphasis of our current research
programme is practice based evidence which is stored and analysed in the
SEPACTO national database of play therapy clinical outcomes.
This uses data derived from practice as a by product of
clinical
governance. It's results are more likely to be replicated by
others in future practice. It is also used to justify funding on
play therapy services. When PTUK was formed there was a dearth of
quantitative research upon the efficacy of play therapy. The
latest findings (see
news for details)
are based on over 700 cases which show that 70% of children receiving
play therapy from PTUK Members exhibit a positive change. This
continuous research programme places PTUK firmly in the lead of play
therapy research.
It has taken five years to get our quantitative research programme running at a
satisfactory level. We can now devote more attention to qualitative
and original research. This will be obtained from two main sources:
- Journals, conference papers and books, mainly from the psychological
professions. These are now reviewed and digested in the 'Play
for Life' journal. (for example a review of the contribution of
neuroscience to play therapy in the Summer 2007 issue).
- MA dissertations published by PTUK members.
