What is Play Therapy?
Children between the ages of 3 and 12 typically attend play therapy sessions. Play therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach used to allow children to open up and express their feelings through play. The safe and comfortable environment created for the child encourages free expression without restrictions. This allows the therapist to closely observe the child as they interact with toys and games, thus revealing the issues in their lives.
When Is Play Therapy Used?
Play therapy is useful for various emotional issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, social issues involving interaction and communication with others, and to learn problem solving and coping mechanisms.
What Should You Expect from Play Therapy?
Initially, our therapists will interview a parent or caregiver and for more information about the child and once that is finished a second interview might be conducted with the child to gather more information. During play therapy sessions, various methods will be implemented such as arts, music, storytelling, games and role playing.
How Does Play Therapy Work?
Play therapy is essential in creating a safe place for a child to work through worries/concerns and help with developing strategies for coping. Activity and play are used to make therapy appropriate for children.
Child Centered Play Therapy
Children play out concerns and resolve worries through play. This modality is focused more on the relationship between child client and therapist where the child will experience unconditional acceptance to promote self-expression. Children will indirectly learn coping and problem solving strategies that will promote social and emotional wellness. Children will develop skills to challenge worrisome thoughts and develop positive solutions.
Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy
A goal-directed and aimed at cognitive restructuring and positive self-talk. Therapists will implement a variety of strategies including relaxation and guided imagery to shift negative thoughts and improve behavior.
Cognitive Behavior Play Therapy can help children develop social skills, identify feelings, decrease fear and anxiety, manage anger and improve self-control.
