What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves, their relationships, and the world around them.
The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as the “systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”
What does Play Therapy help?
Play therapy helps children:
- Learn to experience and express emotion
- Develop ways to be with hard feelings safely and securely
- Recognize and increase ability to access effective coping strategies
- Increase resilience
- Increase tolerance for frustration
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
- Cultivate empathy and respect for the thoughts and feelings of others
- Develop increased capacity for social navigation with with family and peers
- Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities
Play therapy aims to help a child’s growth and development. The practice of play therapy requires extensive, specialized education and training. We combine my knowledge and experience as a play therapist with the wisdom you hold about your unique child and family, and together we build a collaborative team to support your and your child's needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about play therapy and how it can help your child grow, contact me today for a free consultation.