Play Therapy

What is Play Therapy?
Children have difficulties, just like adults, although most children have not yet learned how to effectively understand, process or express these emotions and difficulties. They have not yet developed the thinking skills or vocabulary to express how they are feeling or to know what to do with those feelings. A child’s natural form of communication is play, therefore utilizing Play Therapy as a way to help children learn and grow in a therapeutic setting is ideal.  Play Therapy techniques include the use of toys, games, and art to facilitate a child’s ability to learn the connections between their feelings, thoughts, and actions. As a Play Therapist I will communicate with your child about what is happening in their life and help them explore alternative behaviors and attitudes.

Play therapy may be helpful for your child if they are between the ages of 3-12 and you are concerned about their behaviors, emotions, self esteem, or if they have experienced a big life adjustment or trauma.  This could look like an overly anxious child who constantly worries about things such as school, friends, or safety.  A child who seems overly sad or mad on a regular basis or one who has difficulty making friends.  Large changes such as a parents divorce, the death of a loved one or exposure to a traumatic event are also all reasons you may be considering play therapy for your child. Whether you've been recommended to seek out services from your child's school or pediatrician, or you have not been referred and are simply concerned about their behaviors, please reach out and we can discuss concerns and determine whether or not play therapy would be appropriate.  

What to Expect in Play Therapy
1. A complete history of the child, family unit, and clinical concerns and strengths is gathered by the therapist in the initial session meeting with the parents/caregivers.

2. A play therapy observation and assessment is conducted in the next few sessions by the therapist meeting with the child, sometimes this can also include parents/caregivers or the family unit.

3. Consultation is provided with the parents/caregivers once the assessment is completed and we will discuss further treatment goals, interventions to be used in session and suggestions of activities/skills to be worked on at home.

The Association for Play Therapy is a nationally recognized organization that provides valuable resources and information for parents.  Below is a quick video further explaining the power of play therapy:
https://youtu.be/reJpo-GaopM