CHILD-CENTERED PLAY THERAPY IN THE COVID-19 SCENARIO IN BRAZIL: NOTES AND REFLECTIONS

Abstract

Virginia Mae Axline's theoretical propositions have been important reference since the 1940s. Axline studied and worked with Carl Rogers, creator of the Person-Centered Approach. Even though Rogers' theory has changed, the changes in child care are not recognized. In Brazilian context, it is pointed out that theoretical and practical research on psychotherapeutic care with children in Brazil still presents, as its main foundation, the non-directive play therapy’s theory. It is questioned how clinical practice with children in PCA has developed in Brazil. In addition, since 2020, the world has been experiencing the consequences of a pandemic caused by COVID-19, with significant effects, especially for children. This study aimed to discuss how Child-Centered Play Therapy has been developed theoretically and interventionally in Brazil today. The methodology was qualitative. A narrative literature review was conducted by searching the Virtual Health Library from 2017 to 2022. Four studies were selected. The prevalent thematic axes were the ethical discussion of child-centered play therapy based on the philosophy of Emmanuel Lévinas; the proposal for a clinical style with children inspired by Lévinas' philosophy; the lack of studies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to develop theoretical research that brings methodological points to the Brazilian scenario. The need for the development of empirical research is emphasized.