Play Therapy
Children are amazingly complex!
Our play therapists work with children from a “child-centered” perspective which requires that they address the developmental needs of each child with whom they have the privilege of working. This “child-centered” focus also takes into consideration the way play behavior changes over the course of a child’s development and the way play behaviors change when a child is struggling with difficult issues.
Children have feelings, both good and bad, that they are unable to address verbally.
It is critical to choose a therapist who is skilled in interacting with children at the child’s level. Children are not miniature adults, and counselors must adjust any counseling intervention to the child’s current level of development. When counseling a child, it is imperative that the therapist approach each child holistically by assessing the child’s thoughts, observable behavior, family systems and social/peer systems.
How Your Child Can Benefit From Play Therapy
Through self-directed play, children are able to choose what toys (or “words”) best reflect their internal experience. Allowing children to choose what materials to use in the playroom also conveys the message that their needs matter, that they are capable of making healthy choices, and that they can trust their own abilities. It is the goal of the play therapist to help the child feel understood, accepted, valued, and safe. It is through the safety of the therapeutic relationship that the child is then able to create positive change by developing new beliefs, trying new behaviors, and accepting new emotions.
Play therapy can benefit children and families in a number of ways, including increasing emotional awareness, improving self-control, boosting self-confidence, and enhancing decision-making skills. Research has found play therapy to benefit children presenting with various issues including adjusting to family change, grief & loss, post-traumatic symptoms, oppositional & defiant behaviors, social difficulties, and neuro-developmental disorders. Through this relational, developmentally-informed treatment approach your child can process past events, find ways to cope with current challenges, and develop the resources needed for future success.
Landreth, G. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. New York, NY: Routledge.
If you are considering counseling for your child, please call.
Schedule a time to discuss your concerns and the role professional counseling may have in your child’s life.