Play Therapy
Play is a child's natural medium for self-expression
When should you consider play therapy?
Play is a child’s natural way of communicating where they use symbolic language to express their thoughts and feelings, and make sense of their world. It also plays an important developmental role in them mastering physical, social, emotional, and intellectual skills at each stage of their childhood. So, if your child is experiencing mental health and behavioral problems, wouldn’t it make sense to consider play therapy?
Although play therapy can be used for children of all ages, it is most beneficial for younger children who do not have the verbal language necessary to express their thoughts and feelings effectively. It is also a safe way for children to express, through play, what otherwise would be unsafe or uncomfortable to talk about. Play therapy is a form of counselling where children benefit from the therapeutic use of play as a way for them to explore their thoughts and feelings, and resolve their problems. A therapist would work with your child in a playroom, where there would be specially chosen toys that would help your child express themselves and build healthier behaviors in a safe environment.
Much like child therapy, play therapy generally addresses the same social, emotional, and behavioral problems children may face, as well as problems related to life stressors.
• Bullying or self-esteem issues
• Aggressive behavior or other forms of misbehavior
• Problems adjusting to divorce or other changes in the family
• Problems adjusting to a move
• Witnessing or experiencing family conflict
• Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD
• Academic or social problems at school
• Grief or loss of a loved one, pet, home, etc.
• Witnessing or experiencing trauma or abuse
• Living with family substance abuse or poverty
Your child may be facing:
If your child does not have the verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings, or feels unsafe or uncomfortable sharing their problems, you may find them “acting out” their problems in the following ways:
Sudden withdrawal from family or friends
Loss of interest in the things they used to enjoy
Increased frustration or aggression
Frequent and persistent crying
Excessive and persistent worry or fear
Avoidance of certain activities, situations, or places
Declining academic performance
Changes in sleep patterns
Significant weight loss or gain
Difficulties in relating to peers
If your child is showing any of these symptoms, play therapy is an effective way for your child to get to the root through the therapeutic use of play.
Discover how play therapy works
Play therapy is not the same as regular play. Rather, it involves a trained therapist who provides a safe space, where your child can work with the therapist in a way that would activate the therapeutic benefits of play. In the playroom, your child may engage in such play activities as arts & crafts, sandplay, drawing/painting, role-playing, storytelling, movement, or music. A play therapist’s role is to observe and assess your child’s play, and use that play to help them explore their thoughts and feelings, work through their problems, and build the necessary skills and confidence to function better.​
Benefits of play therapy
There is extensive research in psychology and child development that shows how play therapy is an effective therapeutic approach for children. Play therapy can specifically help your child in the following ways:
Increased ability to express and regulate their feelings
Improved decision-making and problem-solving skills
Increased ability to come up with new and creative solutions
Improved self-awareness and self-confidence
Enhanced social skills such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution
Reduction in aggression, defiance, and other forms of misbehavior
Healing from past stressful or traumatic experiences
Your role in play therapy as a parent
The connection between your child’s problems and the family’s well-being is often complex. Sometimes, something in your child’s play may reflect what is going on in the family. Other times, your child’s issues may be so problematic that it causes distress in the family.
As you bring your child to play therapy sessions, you or other family members may be called to join in the play. You may also have periodic sessions alone with me to discuss their general progress, address concerns, and learn how to reinforce at home what your child is learning in therapy.
In preparing your child for play therapy, it is important to be open and honest with them.
Use age-appropriate language, such as letting them know that when things are hard for you at home or school, therapy is a special place where you can play or talk to a friendly person, who can help you understand your feelings and do things that can help you feel better.
Reassure them that there is nothing wrong with them or they are not going to therapy because they are being “punished.” Let them know in advance their counsellor’s name and introduce them as someone who works and plays with children.
How to prepare your child for the first session
What to expect in a session
Although play therapy is appropriate for all children, I typically find it works best with younger children age 4-9. Younger children typically start with 15-30 minute weekly sessions and build up, while the older ones tend to last the full 50 minutes.
Before even meeting with your child, I would first meet with you to learn more about your child and their issues, and answer any questions you may have. We would do an assessment about your child and the family background. When ready, you can bring your child to their first play therapy session, where I would be introducing them to the playroom and inviting them to play.
In the first session, we would get to know each other, where I would provide a safe and welcoming space for them to explore their thoughts and feelings through play. As they explore the playroom and engage in play, I would observe them and any parent-child interactions, if you are in the room. As sessions progress, I would become more directive in encouraging your child to play with specific items or participate in certain activities to address your child’s issues. I would also make recommendations on how you could support your child outside of therapy.
Are you ready to start play therapy?
If you have any questions or would like to explore what it would be like for your child to engage in play therapy, feel free to connect with me by contacting me or booking a free consultation now.​ I would love to journey with you!
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I look forward to talking to you!
David
