In the 1940s, she began to develop nondirective play therapy, the principles of which were based on Carl Rogers' newly emerging person-centered approach.
In her first published work, she establishes the eight basic principles of nondirective play therapy.
[4][5] Axline developed her own approach to child counseling which is grounded in the person-centered principles Rogers used when working with adult patients.
[citation needed] To date there are many different types of play therapy associated with all schools of psychology.
She also studied at Columbia University Teachers College, and completed her doctorate in Education in 1950.
Virginia Axline is best known for her influence on child-centered play therapy (CCPT) which, unlike the standard treatments of the time, offers the child the opportunity for self-development, growth and social interaction.
[citation needed] Axline identified eight core principles of CCPT: The value of play therapy is still debated to this day.