What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a way for children to express feelings and conflicts through play rather than talking. Developmentally, children do not have the abstract thinking skills that are necessary to verbally express life’s experiences. Play therapy utilizes the natural behavior and self-expression of children: play. The play therapist, along with the provision of specific toys, guides children towards emotional growth and self control. In play therapy, children may learn to understand and express their feelings, develop problem-solving skills, reach new developmental milestones, develop coping skills, improve social skills, and experience growth in a trusting and safe environment.

Play therapy may be especially beneficial for those children who:

• Have experienced a traumatic or upsetting event (death of a friend or family member, accidents, natural disasters, divorce, abuse, etc.)
• Experience anger or self-control problems
• Experience anxiety or depression
• Exhibit low self-esteem or a low level of initiative
• Have nightmares
• Have separation anxiety
• Have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD
• Have difficulty expressing themselves

Parents and primary caregivers play an important role in healing and growth for their child. Through parent consultation and training, the play therapist teaches the skills that are necessary for parents to improve their parenting skills, understand their child better, and ultimately establish a loving and supportive relationship with their child.

If you believe that your child can benefit from play therapy, call and make an appointment with one of our play therapists.