Interactive Technology in Therapy with Children: How to Design and Use

This book is discussing the role and design of digital technologies in play therapy settings with young children. On the basis of the conducted qualitative research study it is suggested that the design guidelines should be deeply rooted in the theoretical foundations of non-directive play therapy and reflect a number of psychoanalytic and child social development theories. Taking into account the children’s interest in technology the therapists’ skills the affordances of the technology and the design guidelines it is suggested that designed applications on an interactive tabletop could support such non-directive play therapy principles as the development of a trusting therapeutic relationship a child’s creative expression and the gradual nature of the therapeutic process. It may create opportunities for children to practise exercising a feeling of mastery and taking the initiative as well as allowing for joyful and non-goal oriented free play.