Divorce procedures may turn out to be beneficial for children because they give them a voice during the separation process, according to the president of an organisation specialising in play therapy.

If divorce were introduced in Malta, however, the government would need to ensure measures were in place to protect children from confrontational hearings in court, said Monica Jephcott, who heads the non-profit organisation Play Therapy International.

Ms Jephcott, here to launch a course in play therapy, pointed to the detrimental effect of certain divorce procedures that used to exist in the UK, when children were made to speak in court in front of both parents.

She said divorce could be a “win situation for everyone, although not necessarily the most comfortable situation for the people involved”. This was why it was important for measures to be in place to protect children.

The CEO of Play Therapy Malta, Jacqueline Abela DeGiovanni, spoke of the reality of marital breakdown in Malta and said many parents sought help because the children were stuck in the middle.

“We have to work with the parents and the child together so we will be more effective,” she said, pointing out that, although the therapy was by no means a magic wand, it helped the child become more resilient. On their part, parents were guided to change the environment for the child.

Ms Jephcott explained that play therapy was a method by which children could help themselves to alleviate emotional, mental and social difficulties. For example, children going through a difficult marital break-up sometimes chose to play with soldiers and they all got killed in battle. However, when the situation was resolved, the children symbolised this by allowing the soldiers of one side to cross the bridge and have tea with the other soldiers.

The role of the therapist, she said, was to provide a safe environment and media, with the child making the choice of what to play with. The therapist then interprets the child’s actions and helps him/her overcome problems through play. The therapy is based on the inherent belief that children can heal themselves within their own space and time.

Some 14 people from a background of psychology, education and social work yesterday attended the start of the course, which will lead to a certificate. However, it is not until they complete 100 hours of practice, another diploma course and an additional 100 hours of practice that they will be eligible for a licence to practise the profession.

At least 75 per cent of children referred to play therapy were found to improve through the process, Ms Jephcott said.

Going by global trends, which show that 20 per cent of children suffer from some form of psychological problem, the organisation estimates about 196 play therapists are needed to meet the island’s needs.

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