WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY? “Helping Children Heal and Grow Through Play”

It’s a therapeutic approach that allows the counselor to relate to the child in a developmentally appropriate way. Child-centered play therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that is typically utilized with children ages 3-10 and allows for children to express themselves, process emotions, and resolve difficulties through play, their natural language. 

Children often struggle to describe what they are thinking or feeling inside, so they may act out or express their emotions. Children are typically unable to engage in abstract reasoning until age 11. Play therapy allows children to communicate through play, which is their natural form of expression, rather than forcing them to adapt to the verbal communication style of adults. Play is their language; the toys are their words.

Carefully selected toys are used to help children express their thoughts, feelings, and wishes. Materials in the playroom are carefully chosen to encourage expression, and the unique, empathetic responses of a trained play therapist help a child gain self-awareness and feel accepted. This often leads to positive changes, such as increased self-confidence and self-control. Child-centered play therapy has been shown to increase self-esteem and confidence, improve emotional regulation and coping skills, reduce behavior problems, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and provide healing from trauma, anxiety, grief, or other emotional challenges. The therapist conveys warmth, empathy, and respect, allowing the child to feel understood and valued. Child-centered play therapy enables children to grow emotionally and socially by providing them with the freedom to explore their inner world through play. 

WHY DOES MY CHILD NEED PLAY THERAPY?

To cope with social and emotional issues at home and school, such as disruptive behaviors, divorce, grief, abuse, adoption, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, etc. The child-centered play therapist allows the child to lead during the session and repeatedly returns responsibility to the child, helping them feel empowered and capable in the midst of circumstances they cannot control.

· No child is too young to be affected by the stresses of life.

· Getting help now can prevent greater problems from developing in the future.

· Sometimes it’s easier for children to explore feelings, especially fears or anger, with someone who can be objective and accepting than it is with parents or teachers.

Reference: 

Landreth, Garry L. Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship, 3rd Edition. New York, Routledge, 2012.