What is Play Therapy
IS YOUR CHILD STRUGGLING?
ARE THEY ACTING OUT IN WAYS YOU HAVEN’T SEEN BEFORE?
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR BEHAVIOR AT HOME, AT SCHOOL, OR WITH THEIR FRIENDS?
Play Therapy is described as “a dynamic interpersonal relationship between a child and a therapist trained in play therapy procedures who provides selected play materials and facilitates the development of a safe relationship for the child to fully express and explore self (feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviors) through play, the child’s natural medium of communication, for optimal growth and development.”
In other words, play therapy is to children what talk therapy is to adults. It’s helpful to think of the toys as words. Your child will express themselves and the things they cannot say by playing. Their play therapist will observe them and play with them to learn more about what’s going on and how to best help them overcome the challenges they’re experiencing. Then, through play therapy, your child can learn to problem-solve and change their behavior.
What Happens in Play Therapy?
Play therapy involves the use of toys, puzzles, art, sand and many other things to encourage interaction between the child and the therapist.
A play therapist may use a non-directive approach or a directive approach depending on the need and on the age of the client. Usually, when the client is younger, the therapist will let the child lead the play as the therapist observes. With an older child, it is common for the therapist to take the lead. The therapist will work with you by the use of books, art, puppets, role-play, etc. to help your child make progress in expressing their emotions and learn new communication skills.
Who could benefit from play therapy?
Any child could benefit from play therapy since it’s a safe way for a child to express themselves. Play Therapy can be used as a treatment for several circumstances:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Emotional dysregulation
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Displaying anger inappropriately
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Life transitions such as divorce or moving
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Family concerns
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School behavior issues
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Problematic behaviors from ADHD and/or Autism
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Social issues
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Grief
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Abuse
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Trauma
How does play therapy work?
A play therapist meets the child on their level. To make your child to feel more comfortable and to build rapport the therapist will spend a few sessions getting to know the child so they do not feel pressures. Their therapist will play alongside them and observe their interactions. Your child will be more willing to talk through the toys then with words. Child therapist take detailed notes on the emotions they see played out in front of them. As your child becomes more comfortable they will begin to share their thoughts and feelings. When the therapist discovers the root cause of your child’s behaviors, a treatment plan will be written and parenting strategies offered.
Is there parent involvement?
A separate time will be scheduled for you to get feedback, discuss behaviors and parenting strategies. Often, the therapist will invite the parent/s into the session to teach strategies and coping skills that your child can implement at home. A team effort is crucial from all parties, for the child to progress.