Play Therapy’s Effectiveness for Children under 12 with Reactive Attachment Disorder

The treatment of reactive attachment disorder (RAD), characterised by challenges in children under 5 in forming unhealthy emotional attachments, has long been an issue due to the complex nature of the disorder. This literature review examines the ways in which play therapy is effective through a synthesis of case studies and experiments. This includes the impacts of play therapy on improving attachment behaviour, emotional regulation and communication, and learning. Furthermore, its creative nature leads to clinical advantages such as its suitability to children and potential for psychoanalysis. Lastly, the most appropriate variations of play therapy approaches will be discussed in the context of RAD, concluding that cognitive behavioural group therapy or filial therapy may be the most beneficial. Keywords: Reactive attachment disorder, play therapy, attachment theory, cognitive-behavioural, non-directive, Virginia Axline, filial therapy, neuroplasticity, psychoanalysis