Why would my child need play therapy? What is play therapy? How does playing help my child?

These are all excellent questions. I hear from a lot of parents who wonder what play therapy is all about. As a Registered Play Therapist, I believe that play therapy is the best therapeutic modality for children. It is developmentally appropriate for kids, it works, and it helps kids. I have witnessed this firsthand. Here is some information that explains the “why” behind play therapy.

Play therapy is a method of counseling used to treat children from ages 3-12 (although it can be helpful even for teens and adults!) Most children will not be able to sit and tell you verbally what emotional problems they are going through or what difficult situations they are experiencing. Through play, kids can express their thoughts and feelings in a way that comes naturally and is comfortable for them.

Play therapists are licensed counselors trained to assess and treat a wide range of issues and mental health difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and difficult life situations, such as a parent’s divorce or losing a loved one.

I see children in my private practice come for play therapy for many different reasons. I see myself as coming alongside the family to partner with them to help their child. I work closely with the parents or caregivers to develop a treatment plan to meet the unique needs of the child and their family.

Sometimes in play therapy, I will use creative activities to help the child learn about their emotions or help them learn strategies to cope with their big feelings. We might do art projects or do a puppet show. Sometimes the child will take the lead, and I am trained as a therapist to help facilitate this and respond in ways that allow the child to process their emotions and move toward growth and healing. 

The toys used in play therapy are purposeful and carefully selected by the play therapist. Toys can be scary, nurturing, aggressive, creative, relational and more. Some toys help with sensory needs and emotional release. Each category of toy is helpful in allowing the child to communicate through the child’s language of play.

The bottom line is play therapy helps kids: communicate better, fosters emotional wellness, builds on their strengths, and enhances their social relationships. And it all happens in a room full of toys!

For more information about play therapy, you can go to:

www.a4pt.org

https://www.a4pt.org/page/ParentsCornerHomePag

https://www.a4pt.org/page/PTMakesADifference