“Play therapy is more than just play”
Play Therapy Defined 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.
Play therapy works because the language of play goes straight to a child’s heart.
Play therapy, is where children tell their stories in many different ways.
Play therapy, is where the child makes the world the way they want it to.
In the playroom, children instinctively know what they need in order to heal. The process is self-guided.
“We use Play Therapy as a supportive intervention, as “Toys are a child’s words and play is their language”.
Please take a few moments to watch the video below on the benefits of play therapy and if it’s appropriate for your needs.
NON-DIRECTIVE OR DIRECTIVE PLAY THERAPY
Non-Directive play therapy
- Child-Centered Play Therapy – Useful for children ages 3 to 12 experiencing a variety of problems affecting their emotional and social development.
- Address issues such as anxiety, oppositional behavior, depression, and/or family issues such as divorce and custody struggles, adoption, foster care.
- Helpful as an adjunct treatment in working with emotional difficulties in children with organic disorders such as ADHD and Autism.
- Based upon the work of Carl Rogers – Humanistic, Client-Centered
- It is person-centered rather than problem-centered.
- The child is in charge of the play and will direct it towards healing which comes from within the self.
- Therapist provides a permissive environment that supports the child’s exploration and creativity while providing structure and limits to establish safety.
- No questions, no directions, no praise, no criticism. Acceptance of the child as they are. Limits are set only when necessary to protect the child, room, toys and therapist.
Directive play therapy
- Therapist prescribes interventions based on presenting problems
- Appropriate for any age group
Examples of therapy approaches include: Gestalt, Child-Centered, Psychodynamic, Adlerian & others
For more information on the stages of play therapy and what to expect in a play session, visit the link below.
https://www.a4pt.org/page/ParentsStagesofThera/What-to-Expect-in-a-Play-Therapy-Session.htm
If you would like to explore treatment options for your child, please email, or call. We look forward to hearing from you.