Assessing Norton and Norton's model of play therapy through a study of a three-year-old's play therapy experience

Abstract

There are a variety of play therapy models in research literature that predict stages children move through during play therapy. The purpose of this study is to assess one of these stage models. This study will examine Norton and Norton’s (1997) stage model of play therapy as it applies to a three-year-old preschooler’s play therapy experience. Through this qualitative case study, a single subject’s play therapy is examined for its consistency with Norton and Norton’s (1997) model. Data was collected from observations of the subject within the therapy room and outside of the therapy room. The data was then coded for evidence of Norton and Norton’s (1997) stages. Results from this study offer validation to Norton and Norton’s (1997) model of play therapy, yet there are some discrepancies. Possible changes to Norton and Norton’s (1997) model are offered in order to help it better fit this subject’s experience.