ABSTRACT
Axline's humanistic-oriented Play Therapy assumes that play is a child's natural way of expressing herself. However, this approach seems to present some ethical gaps when thought concerning the relationship with others. Such gaps were discussed based on Emmanuel Lévinas' thoughts, a philosopher who wrote about radical otherness ethics. In this sense, it was necessary to reflect on how Levinasian ethics can be manifested in Play Therapy, including clinical practice. The research was qualitative, with a case study methodology. The therapeutic group took place in 14 sessions and consisted of three children, aged 5 to 7, with a one-hour meeting. The sessions were described narratively, and the Sense's Version of the therapist was written. Anamnesis, feedback, interviews with other health professionals and school visits were also conducted. The sessions were analyzed based on the description and understanding of meanings. It was found that the group process seemed to move towards greater openness and proximity among the participants and that the therapist needed to move towards the children, opening up to their differences. It was concluded that, when entering the play with the child, the psychotherapist cannot apprehend the child's world but only fulfill her ethical duty and meeting herself with the children in therapy was facing the difference through a traumatic via. It is noteworthy that it is difficult to theorize about childhood, and the theory will only make sense while promoting respect to otherness.
Keywords:
Play Therapy; Emmanuel Lévinas; otherness.