Containing feelings and setting limits in play therapy: working with aggression.

This chapter will explore the role of the play therapist in responding to children’s emotions within play therapy. I begin by discussing how theories of emotional development and new understanding from neuro-science can inform play therapy practice. In particular, I will focus on responding to aggression within both children’s play and within the therapeutic relationship. I will consider the role of limit-setting in supporting emotional development and end with a brief reflection on the importance of therapist self-awareness, as a core aspect of effective therapy.