INTENSIVE CHILD-CENTERED PLAY THERAPY WITH CHILD WITNESSES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of child-centered play therapy sessions every day for two weeks as an intervention for child witnesses of domestic violence. The analyses of covariance indicated that children in the experimental group experienced: a significant increase in self-concept; a significant decrease in external and total behavior problems; a significant increase in the play behavior of physical proximity to the therapist; and a significant increase in the play behavior of nurturing and creative play themes. The results support utilizing intensive play therapy to treat child witnesses of domestic violence.