play therapy

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is an evidence based treatment modality that meets children at their developmental level, allowing them to express their feelings and process experiences through the use of toys rather than words. 

Play therapy is not just "having fun and playing"- it is a process that involves the hard work of exploring challenging emotions and working through difficulties that can be overwhelming.

How does it work?

Play is a critical part of child development and a natural form of expression for children. Play relieves stress and boredom, connects us to others, inspires creative thinking, regulates our feelings, and boosts our self-esteem. Children learn to work through problems, master skills, and increase overall frustration tolerance through play. 

After building safety in the therapeutic relationship and trusting rapport with the therapist, themes will emerge in session indicating what a child is working through. The therapist supports the child in processing emotions, building capacity to feel distress, fostering a felt sense of safety, and improving overall well-being.

Parental involvement is key when working with children in play therapy. Our play therapists meet with parents on average every 4-6 sessions to discuss progress, provide recommendations and resources, and support parents at home.

What does Play Therapy treat?

• Internalizing behaviors such as anxiety, depression, and others

• Externalizing behaviors such as aggression, disruptive behaviors, self-control, and others

• Attachment concerns

• Academic performance

• Anger & aggression behaviors

• Autism & ADHD

• Behavioral concerns

• Digestion concerns

• Eating concerns

• Grief and loss

• Medical conditions

• Self-concept/self-esteem

• Sleep concerns

• Speech/language struggles

• Trauma, natural disaster, and PTSD

What are the possible benefits of Play Therapy?

• Increases ability to identify and express feelings

• Supports development of problem solving skills and coping skills

• Improves social and relational skills

• Improves self-esteem and self-efficacy

• Cultivates empathy and perspective-taking skills

• Supports mastery of developmental milestones

• Increases distress tolerance

• Decreases behavioral issues and anger outbursts

• Supports processing life transitions, such as divorce, moves, school transitions, etc.

Play therapy is a very specific therapeutic modality that requires training, education, supervision, and practice. Becoming a Registered Play Therapist requires many hours dedicated to these areas.

Learn more about Play Therapy here:

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