Play Therapy

What is Play Therapy? 

 

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach primarily used to help children aged 3 to 12 explore their lives and freely express repressed thoughts and emotions through play.

 

Therapeutic play normally occurs in a safe, comfortable playroom where very few limits are imposed (except when safety is at stake).

 

Why is Play Therapy Beneficial? 

 

This form of play therapy allows children to express themselves in a way that is natural for them. 

 

Since children may not be able to process their own emotions or articulate problems to parents or other adults, it creates an opportunity for them to speak their truth through the universal language of play. 

 

How Does Play Therapy Work? 

 

In play therapy, children use playtime to address psychological issues and work through their emotions. 

 

We might observe your child playing with toys (dolls, animals, blocks) and note revelations, patterns, or diagnostic cues that help them understand the child’s emotions. It is also common to participate in the play, depending on the technique. 

 

What Issues Can Play Therapy Address? 

 

Play therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of psychological concerns and traumatic experiences, including anger management, grief and loss, family dissolution, and social and academic difficulties. 

Play therapy also helps with advancing developmental growth and attachment formation (attachment develops through everyday interactions as a caregiver attends to an infant's needs).

 

What Can Your Child Expect From a Play Therapy Session? 

 

A typical session lasts about 50 minutes and is generally held weekly. Therapy can be short- or long-term, depending on your child's needs. 

 

The key to successful play therapy is consistent participation and engagement in the process, from both the child and the guardian(s). 

 

Is Play Therapy Confidential? 

 

As with all types of therapy, confidentiality is important in play therapy. However, we may require some parental involvement in the therapeutic process, which Christina will clearly communicate. 

 

How Can I Prepare My Child for Play Therapy? 

 

Parents are usually encouraged to speak positively about the experience without putting too much pressure on their child to perform or behave in a specific way. It is important for your child to feel that therapy is a safe and welcoming place to express themselves. 

 

Experience the Benefits of Play Therapy

 

Play therapy offers a powerful means for children to express their feelings and resolve conflicts. 

 

Through the respectful and understanding environment of play therapy, children can find a way to speak about their worries and troubles even before they have the words to do so.