Play Therapy
Toys are the child’s words!
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is a form of therapy primarily geared toward children. In this form of therapy, a therapist encourages a child to explore life events that may have an effect on current circumstances, in a manner and pace of the child’s choosing, primarily through play but also through language.
Play therapy, can help individuals communicate, explore repressed thoughts and emotions, address unresolved trauma, and experience personal growth and is widely viewed as an important, effective, and developmentally appropriate mental health treatment.
Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them (Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.
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.” www.a4pt.org
Play therapy can be used to treat (in children or adults):
- Grief and loss
- Post-traumatic stress
- Obsessions and compulsions
- Attention deficit hyperactivity
- Mood issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Developmental issues
- Arrested emotional development
Types
In addition to the basic approaches, there are also several different types of play therapy. Here are some of the most common types:
Filial Therapy: The parents get involved and the therapist teaches the parent how to interact with the child through play. The goal is to close a communication gap between the child and parent.
Sand Tray Therapy: The child can create a scene in a small box filled with sand using miniature toys, such as people and animals. The scene created acts as a reflection of the child’s own life and allows a chance to resolve conflict, remove obstacles, and gain self-acceptance.
Bibliotherapy: The therapist and the child may read books together to explore specific concepts or skills.
Imaginary Play: A child may be given toys that spark the imagination such as clothing to play dress up, a dollhouse, puppets, or action figures. It may be directive or non-directive.
Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy: The therapist may use play to help a child learn how to think and behave differently. A doll may be given advice about how to change her thinking or the therapist may ask the child to give a stuffed animal advice on how he can cope with a stressful situation.