Play Therapy as an Intervention Against Sexual Violence in Botswana

The study explored the experience of social workers (n=9, consisting of females only, age range 25 to 40) and lay counsellors (n=9, consisting of 2 males and 7 females, age range 20 to 30) in Botswana. Participants had brief training in the use of Gestalt Play Therapy as a therapeutic medium in working with sexually abused children. Qualitative research was conducted using the focus group discussion with a purposeful sample of 18 social workers and lay counsellors from the Botswana region. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The study reveals that the Westernised concept of Play Therapy, with adaptation, is relevant within Botswana.