Adlerian Play Therapy and Adventure Therapy: Complementary Interventions for Comprehensive Theory

Recent authors have proposed the use of adventure therapy techniques in play therapy. However, there has been limited discussion of the application of this approach in Adlerian play therapy. Adventure therapy utilizes experiential activities, challenges, and trust exercises within a sequential framework among individuals, families, and groups. Likewise, Adlerian play therapy posits a sequencing of interventions for effective treatment. This article discusses the ways that specific adventure therapy techniques (e.g., icebreakers, de-inhibitizers, trust and empathy exercises, problem solving) are congruent with the stages of Adlerian play therapy and can be used to build the therapeutic relationship, explore the client’s lifestyle, and assist the client in gaining insight and in reorientation or reeducation.