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Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2614-5708
Date Available
4-28-2028
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
College
Social Work
Department/School/Program
Social Work
Faculty
Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff
Faculty
Dr. Hillary Whipple
Faculty
Dr. Amanda Kern
Abstract
Gestalt therapy with children is recognized as a seminal theory of play therapy. Since its development by Violet Oaklander, Ph.D., in 1978, research has established it as an effective psychotherapy for children. Within the gestalt play therapy literature, it has long been established that the relationship is vital to therapeutic work. However, the dynamics and applications of relational processes in gestalt therapy with children have yet to be fully explicated and integrated into a comprehensive practice framework. This capstone project examines the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship and its integration into gestalt therapy with children and adolescents. Through a systematic literature review and framework synthesis, relational dynamics are identified in a set of English-language gestalt play therapy studies published after 1976 (n=12). From these samples, themes related to relational dynamics are identified, including phenomenology, field theory, dialogue, and the experimental attitude. The review delineates the absence of substantive integration of relational dynamics into the therapeutic process with children and adolescents. Subsequently, conceptual material on the therapeutic relationship in gestalt therapy with children is reviewed, highlighting the need for greater integration into practice. Further compounding this need is the growing body of research demonstrating the correlation of therapeutic outcomes and the qualities of the therapeutic relationship. This research, along with studies in neuroscience highlighting the importance of the relationship, is integrated with contemporary gestalt therapy theory and the structures of gestalt play therapy, to conceptualize the novel framework of Relational Gestalt Play Therapy (RGPT). The application of RGPT is described through the explication of Reciprocal Relational Responses and the therapist's self-reflective capacity. The Reciprocal Relational Responses: Showing Up, Attending, Leaning In, Differentiating, Connecting, Sensing, and Feeling coherently connect the myriad experiments, activities, and creative explorations within the therapy experience to form a new and novel approach. The main components of RGPT are outlined, and recommendations for its application, including training, supervision, and certification, are provided.
Recommended Citation
Orozco, Valente, "RELATIONAL GESTALT PLAY THERAPY: RECENTERING RELATIONALITY IN GESTALT THERAPY WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS" (2026). DSW Capstone Projects. 77.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_grad_reports/77
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Developmental Neuroscience Commons, Social Work Commons
