Axline’s Principles

Virginia Axline’s of Non-Directive Play Therapy

The Therapist Should Aim to:

• Develop a warm and friendly relationship with the child
   

• Accept the child as they are
   

• Establish a feeling of permission in the relationship so the child feels free to express their feelings completely
   

• Be alert to recognising the feelings the child is expressing and reflect the feelings back in such a manner that the child gains insight into their behaviour
   

• Maintain a deep respect for the child’s ability to solve their problems and gives them the opportunity to do so
   

• Not attempt to direct the child’s actions or conversations. The child leads, the therapist follows.
   

• Not attempt the therapy along, it’s a gradual process
   

• Only establish limitations necessary to anchor the therapy to reality and make the child aware of their responsibility in the relationship