Did you know that play is the most basic way that children can express themselves? Allow us to introduce you to Play Therapy!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!People have unique experiences that are also processed uniquely. Just as adults sometimes struggle to work through their emotions and put them into words, children may struggle in a similar way. It can be said that it is more complicated for children to process issues due to their stage of development. For example, three-year-old children struggle with self-control and emotional regulation in stressful situations or when they are exposed to sudden changes to their routine, which might lead them to tantrums (Ray, 2016).
Children may not be able to vocalize trauma, sadness, anger, fear, and other feelings in the same way an adult might.
Play therapy is meant to give children the space to express themselves with actions instead of words.
By now you may be wondering: what is Play Therapy? Play therapy is defined by the Association for Play Therapy (1997) 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 to achieve optimal growth and development”.
What does all of this really mean?
To the adult eye, this process might seem like a child just playing for an hour, but in reality, there is a lot of work being done by the child during this time. A trained play therapist uses techniques that will facilitate the child’s healing journey; however, play in itself is the work.
An example of this is the development of the sense of self in children. By actively engaging in play and being free from reality’s limitations, children begin to imagine and determine how they wish to see themselves and who they want to become (O’Connor et al., 2016). The role of the therapist is just to provide a safe space in which the child has the therapist’s undivided attention and care.
The Role of Parents in Play Therapy
Play therapy begins by meeting with the parent to discuss the concerns their children present with. Parental involvement during play therapy is essential in obtaining optimal results from the therapeutic process. Many times, the child’s distress creates parental stress, which can lead to marital issues. All of these factors create a cycle in which parental distress and marital issues increase the child’s distress and undesired behavior.
Addressing the Cycle of Child and Parental Distress
Therapists typically involve parents to verify progress and check in on how the child is functioning in different settings such as school, daycare, family gatherings, and more. This allows therapists to assess how behaviors and emotional shifts transfer across environments.
Building Internal Strengths Through Play
One of the major goals of play therapy is for children to acquire or reinforce internal strengths so that they can transfer and use them in their daily lives. These strengths empower children to face challenges more effectively both at home and in social situations.
Understanding the Pace of Play Therapy
Play therapy is a gradual process that depends on the child’s progress. Children tend to move at a different pace than adults and may need more time before changes are apparent to parents and other adults in their lives.
Preparing Children for Termination of Counseling
When the child seems ready to transition out of counseling, the therapist introduces termination multiple times before ending services. The therapist avoids abruptly ending a long therapeutic relationship to prevent emotional harm to the child.
Play Therapy Beyond Childhood
Play therapy is not exclusively for children. Counselors can integrate techniques into sessions for teenagers, young adults, adults, and even the elderly. Through play therapy, adults have the opportunity to develop better insight, lower stress, improve communication, strengthen self-efficacy, and foster mastery (Kottman & Meany-Walen, 2016).
Reconnecting With the Inner Child
Everyone was once a child, and reconnecting with that side of oneself can bring valuable insight to support therapeutic goals. Many activities people already enjoy in daily life—such as reading, drawing, painting, photography, or journaling—can be forms of play.
Play as a Healing Tool Across the Lifespan
Certain life topics are too painful to talk about directly. With the help of play and the support of a sincere therapeutic relationship, clients can explore those experiences in alternative ways—such as drawing, singing, writing, or dancing. These approaches can ease symptoms of anxiety, sadness, stress, and other emotional challenges.
Have more questions about play therapy? Ask for Karianys Clemente, MS. Don’t hesitate to contact us. Feel free to use our self-scheduling tool as well! We are here to help.
References:
Association for Play Therapy (1997) Association for play therapy: Mental health professionals applying the therapeutic power of play! https://www.a4pt.org
Kottman, T., & Meany-Walen, K. (2016). Partners in play: An Adlerian approach to play therapy (3rd ed.). American Counseling Association.
O’Connor, K.J., Schaefer, C.E., & Braverman, L.D. (eds.) (2016). Handbook of Play
Ray, D.C. (Ed.). (2016). A therapist’s guide to child development: The extraordinarily normal years. Routledge.