Özet
OPINIONS OF SCHOOL COUNSELORS IN TURKEY TOWARDS PLAY THERAPY
Play Therapy is one of the effective interventions for school children’s problems. The aim of the study is to investigate Turkish school counselors’ perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, use and non-use of play therapy. This descriptive study consisted of 116 school counselors (60% female). The data collection method utilized for this study was a total 30-item questionnaire consisting of a 14-item Likert type to determine perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs, close-ended questions, and biographical questions. The purposeful sampling method was used in order to determine only school counselors’ opinions about play therapy. Findings revealed that the majority of school counselors, 84.5% (n=98) do not use play therapy, but do believe it is an effective technique to handle students’ issues. However, majority of participants indicated that they do not use play therapy because lack of education and training during undergraduate. Moreover, there was a strong agreement among respondents on necessity of having education and training related to play therapy. It is recommended that play therapy education and training would be beneficial for school counselors.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Play therapy, school counselor, school children.