What is Play Therapy?

Play is the child’s language and toys are the child’s words!” Play Therapy is an opportunity for children to express themselves without words but rather through play. It can be difficult for children to sit down and talk about their fears and their struggles like most adults. Through play therapy, the children are given the opportunity to play in a way that shows the counsellor what the child is thinking and/or what they are struggling with. With this information, the child can find ways to cope with emotions and the different social difficulties that they may be going through.

There are many different ways a child can play to show how they feel or what they are struggling with. Many people don’t know the difference between regular play and play therapy. Unlike normal play, play therapy focuses on the child to help him/her solve the difficulties he/she may be encountering. Some children have unhelpful behaviors and ways of interacting in different situations. The  counsellor helps the child practice new ways of interacting until appropriate and more healthy actions are mastered. Along with the therapy that happened during the sessions, the family plays an important role in the child's process of healing and getting better.

 

Who does it benefit?

Play Therapy can be effective for a broad range of problems, including:

• Emotional difficulties such as aggression, depression, low self esteem, anxiety and withdrawal

• Behaviour issues

• Developmental difficulties such as sleep problems, poor communication, bedwetting and eating problems

• Learning disabilities

• Loss or bereavement

• Family breakdown

• Abuse or neglect

• Problems with socialising

• Play Therapy can also benifit older children, adolescents and adults who are having emotional difficulties

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Different Kinds of Play Therapy

There are many different kinds of techniques in play therapy but below include some popular techniques:

• Drawing

• Painting

• Clay

• Music

• Sand Play

• Therapeutic

• Storytelling

• Puppets

• Creative

• Visualization

• Therapeutic Board Games

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What the experts say

According to the professional organization Play Therapy International, up to 71 percent of children referred to play therapy may experience positive change.
While some children might start off with some hesitation, trust in the therapist tends to grow. As they become more comfortable and their bond strengthens, the child may become more creative or more verbal in their play.

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Benefits

Some of the potential benefits of play therapy are:

• Taking more responsibility for certain behaviours

• Developing coping strategies and creative problem-solving skills

• Self-respect

• Empathy and respect for others

• Alleviation of anxiety

• Learning to fully experience and express feelings

• Stronger social skills

• Stronger family relationship​

Play therapy can also encourage use of language or improve fine and gross motor skills.
If your child has a diagnosed mental or physical illness, play therapy doesn’t replace medications or any other necessary treatments. Play therapy can be used alone or alongside other therapies.