Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy and How Can It Help?
You probably have an idea of what a typical adult therapy session would look like…
A quiet office with a cozy couch and a therapist in a chair across from you asking questions and reflecting on your goals.
Now picture a young child sitting in that chair discussing in depth their various feelings and experiences for an hour.
Like most of us, understanding how a young child does therapy is hard to imagine.
Child play therapy is a way of being with a child that uses the language of play to process difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences Licensed mental health professionals therapeutically use play to help children better express themselves and resolve their problems. Research shows that play therapy is an effective approach with children and has the best outcomes with family and caregivers are involved in the treatment process. In Play Therapy, toys are the child’s words and play is the language. (Association for Play Therapy).
How is Play Therapy Different than Playing at Home?
Play is the natural language of children through which they explore the world, process feelings, experiences, and communicate their internal world. Play Therapists are trained to respond to children in a way that allows these thoughts and feelings be expressed. Children will show what is bothering them metaphorically through their play and interactions with the play therapist. Similar to adult conversations in therapy are different than daily conversations, therapeutic play is different than regular play. Play therapists are trained to see the metaphors and respond to bring healing, improve decision-making skills, build confidence, enhance emotional regulation skills, and build overall emotional intelligence.
How Do I Prepare My Child for Play Therapy?
At Mindful Beginnings, we have several trained play therapists. Our play therapists will help guide you through the process of preparing your child for play therapy. We offer ways to help them feel comfortable before entering the office. Your therapist will also discuss play therapy more in-depth at your intake session and how she suggests preparing your child for play therapy. This is also a great time to ask questions and set goals.