Play Therapy

Since children may not be able to process and express their own emotions in the adult world, the therapist joins the child in their own world, on their level. Play therapy allows the therapist to observe the child in a setting in which they are comfortable and build a strong therapeutic relationship (Pietrangelo, 2019). While the therapy may look like ordinary play, much more is being observed by the therapist!

Children between the ages of 3 and 12 are typically candidates for play therapy (Sussex Publishers, n.d). Play therapy can be used alone or alongside another therapeutic techniques. Children that benefit from play therapy include:

-          Those facing chronic illnesses

-          Developmental or learning disabilities

-          Problematic behaviour in school

-          Aggressive behaviour

-          Family changes such as divorce

-          Traumatic events or abuse

-          Anxiety and depression

-          Eating and toileting issues

-          ADHD

-          ASD (Pietrangelo, 2019)

Through play therapy, children learn new coping mechanisms, how to redirect behaviours, gain trust in their therapist, and become more creative and verbal in their play. There are many potential benefits to play therapy including:

-          Taking responsibility of behaviours

-          Problem solving skills

-          Empathy and respect for others and themselves

-          Alleviation of anxiety

-          Learning to express their feelings

-          Building social skills and family relationships

-          Improve language and fine and gross motor skills (Pietrangelo, 2019)

Techniques such as, storytelling, role-playing, using toy phones, puppets, dolls, dance, and music, are all possible in play therapy (Sussex Publishers, n.d)! The direction of the play therapy is decided on and tailored by the therapist, unique to each individual child!

Play therapy can also take one of two approaches, either nondirective or directive. Nondirective play therapy suggests that the child can resolve their own issues when limited instructions are given, while directive play therapy uses more therapist guided play to help speed up the process (Sussex Publishers, n.d). The therapist will choose which approach they believe is appropriate for the specific child. One of the therapist’s that would be a good match for play therapy is Hyunbin.

If you feel that play therapy could be a good fit for your child, contact us to book a session!

Resources

Pietrangelo, A. (2019). Play therapy: What is it, how it works, and techniques. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/play-therapy#for-adults

Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Play therapy. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/play-therapy