What is play therapy for?

What is play therapy? Who is it for? Is the therapist just playing with my child? How can play help?

Many parents have asked me these very questions with the hopeful intention to understand how play therapy can make a difference.

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a specialty where the therapist comes to the child’s level to speak their language. Children don’t have fully developed skills to communicate their challenges and emotions with words yet; however, they can be understood through their play.

Who is it for?

Pre-school and school-aged children are the primary population. Your child does not need to be able to communicate clearly in order to attend.

Play therapy can help with a variety of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, depression, anger management, divorce/separation, transitions, and social development

Is the therapist just playing with my child?

The therapist will be noticing themes about your child’s play, which will help understand what they’re struggling with and how to best help. Across sessions, the therapist can monitor changes in their play themes to measure success. The therapist will use play to speak to the child and adjust how they’re handling challenges. The therapist can use a variety of techniques, including using play to model, teach, and create change.

How can play help?

When we take the time to listen and understand a child in their language, the effects can be monumental. Children crave connection, and in therapy they are receiving the full attention of the therapist. Having this genuine connection creates space for the child to trust the therapist in learning and attempting new solutions. The National Institute of Health provides a deeper understanding of how play therapy can help.

Conclusion

Now that you have more information about play therapy, feel free to reach out to see how I can help! We can schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation to answer any more questions you have.