Culturally Responsive Play Therapy With Military-Connected Children and Families: Opportunities for Rigorous Research

Military-connected children represent intersectional identities and demonstrate unique vulnerabilities and strengths. Indeed, the wellbeing of military families is complex given stressors related to frequent separations and geographic relocations, coupled with the high-risk nature of careers in the armed forces. However, military families also demonstrate several strengths, such as resilience, that may be overlooked in the mental health interventions offered to the military community’s youngest members. Previous researchers have illuminated the limitations of interventions provided to military-connected children, as well as methodological flaws that inhibit the development of exemplary practices for this population. In the article, the authors present several ways in which play therapy is responsive to the cultural values and mental health needs of military families. Additionally, the authors provide concrete strategies for play therapists and researchers to improve the rigor of play therapy research and support the efficacy of play therapy with military-connected children