Effectively addressing the counseling needs of children requires special training. Since children are not cognitively equipped to engage in talk therapy, play therapy has been proven to be the best way to address their therapeutic needs. Our practice has worked extensively with children and includes a Registered Play Therapist.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is an interpersonal, dynamic relationship between a child and a therapist trained in play therapy procedures. Because play is the natural language of children, it gives them the opportunity to express their emotions symbolically, learn coping skills and build their self-esteem. Play therapy helps a child develop responsibility, decision-making skills and self-control in a safe and non-threatening manner.
Does play therapy work?
Play therapy has been extensively researched, and the research provides strong support for its effectiveness with young children. The most important thing about play therapy is the relationship. Your child is given undivided attention and empathy, and is accepted where she is. When children can communicate or play out how they feel to someone who understands, they feel better, because the feelings have been released. You have probably experienced the same thing when talking to a supportive and understanding friend. Play therapists are also trained to respond to children in ways that facilitate emotional growth. In play therapy, children use dolls, art, puppets and other toys to say what they think and express how they feel.
Preparing your child
Before the first session, tell your child that she will be coming for a special play time every week and that there will be toys for play. Usually that is all your child will care about knowing. If your child needs further explanation, tell her, “When things aren’t going well, sometimes it helps to have a special time to share with another person.”
Here are some other things to consider that will help your child benefit the most from play therapy. Have your child wear play clothes that can get dirty — it is common for children to be messy in the play session. Before the session, don’t tell the child to talk about problems; the child is not forced to talk about anything. After the session, don’t ask questions like, “Was that fun?” If the child brings things up, that’s fine, but it is not helpful to ask questions about the time. It is a personal time for the child, and you will be kept informed about your child’s progress.
Play therapy is commonly sought out to address the following concerns:
- Aggression
- Low self-esteem
- Bullying
- Anger
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Social challenges
- Relationship
- Parent/child conflict
- Trauma
- Foster care/adoption