Play Therapy World Activity

Miniature Jungle Play Therapy World

The goal of this play therapy activity is to ask the play therapy client to name a jungle animal (You can use other animals as well).

Some of the traits listed can be positive, neutral, or negative. However, it is always best to end the session with a focus on the positive traits of the play therapy client.

Materials for Play Therapy Activity:

Plastic Jungle Animals Clip Art Cutouts

Pop-up World paper, Pizza Box, or Paper Plate

Directions for Play Therapy Activity:

1. Ask the play therapy client to think of a jungle animal they can relate to in some way. Either use a miniature of that animal or find a paper cutout picture. The client can draw the animal if they prefer.

2. Once the play therapy client has identified an animal ask them to create a jungle world for their jungle animal on the worksheet below.

3. After the play therapy client has identified the animal and drawn a world for it the therapist will ask the following questions:

Can you name some personal traits that the jungle animal you picked has that might relate to some of your personal qualities?

What are some personal traits you share with the jungle animal that you would like to change?

What are some strength traits you share with the jungle animal that can help you in real life?

How can you bring out these positive strength traits in the future?

What is this play therapy world like for the jungle animal? Does anything need to change?

4. Once this project is finished the play therapy client can take the drawing home and use it as a reminder of the traits that give them strength.

Extensions: This activity can be completed with the use of plastic miniatures. Buy a bag of plastic jungle animals and allow the client to pick out an animal that they relate to. The play therapy client can also take this plastic animal home as a representation of the animal’s strengths and their own personal strengths.

A play therapy collage, or stage, can also be created that represents the animal’s environment.

Play Therapy Jungle World to Play Therapy Miniature Worlds

Play Therapy Jungle World to Creative Counseling 101.com Home

Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed  mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.