Experiential play therapy with children as active participants in foster care services: A multiple case study

This study aimed to explore the participation experiences of children with emotional and behavioral difficulties, who are also the subjects of foster care services, in the process of Experiential Play Therapy (EPT); to evaluate the effects of this intervention on their psychosocial difficulties; and to examine the experiences of foster parents throughout the therapeutic process. Designed as a holistic multiple case study within the qualitative research paradigm, the study involved four five-year-old children, each of whom participated in 12 to 15 sessions of EPT, totaling 54 sessions. Additionally, 62 interviews were conducted with foster parents before and after the implementation and following each session, allowing for an in-depth, multidimensional understanding of both children's individual experiences and caregivers' perceptions and observations. Data were collected through participant observations, interviews, documents, and children's physical artifacts, and were analyzed using the cross-case synthesis technique. The comparative analysis of the cases revealed that children's emotional and behavioral difficulties were significantly shaped by their traumatic life histories, unmet physical and emotional needs, and the complexities of both foster and biological family relationships. It was found that what appeared as behavioral symptoms were often expressions of unresolved trauma, attachment disruptions, and relational difficulties rooted in past adversities. Through the EPT process, children were able to express their inner conflicts, traumatic experiences, and unmet needs within a safe and supportive environment, leading to observable improvements in their emotional and behavioral functioning. The therapeutic process also contributed to the development of self-concept and emotional regulation skills. Furthermore, the active and sensitive involvement of foster parents in the process facilitated children's engagement in therapy and supported their emotional recovery. The findings emphasize that providing a secure family environment, while critical, is not sufficient on its own to address the effects of early trauma. Therapeutic support, particularly play-based interventions tailored to the developmental and emotional needs of the child, is also essential. Accordingly, sustaining and expanding Experiential Play Therapy practices, along with structured training and support programs for foster parents, is recommended. These efforts may advance the healing and integrative potential of foster care services for children in need of protection.