What is play therapy?

Children learn, explore and think best through play. Even when speaking is not difficult and kids can tell you how they feel, play is optimal. Many adults know if they are “hands on” or auditory learners. Children are play learners. So for therapy, play is required to learn new skills, such as self-control or to resolve trauma. For children to heal and grow the required elements are: a safe environment, a focused therapist, and play!

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Does my child need play therapy?

Similarly to adults, most children experience struggles. Sometimes they experience challenges following the death of a loved one, starting a new school, or the separation or divorce of parents. Or perhaps they are experiencing difficulty with friends or struggle with aggression in the school or home setting. If you or other significant individuals in a child’s life, such as a teacher, are concerned about behavioral, emotional, or social functioning, play therapy may be an effective solution. Play therapy is the most appropriate treatment for helping children between the ages of 3-9 years old work through and process complex emotions and behaviors. Play therapy will also help you as a parent gain a better understanding of what your child is experiencing and how you can best meet their needs.

 

What is the process of play therapy?

The first meeting is with parents to talk with them about their concerns and explain play therapy. After meeting with parents, the clinician then meets with the child each week in the playroom. In the playroom I reflect children’s feelings, help them develop positive self-direction, and set limits on inappropriate behaviors. Ultimately, play therapy helps children express their feelings in acceptable ways, become increasingly aware of themselves and others, become increasingly self-directed, and become better able to express their feelings and emotions. Overtime, parents notice behavioral and emotional changes in their children leading to closer and more fulfilling relationships.

 

How will I be informed and updated on my child’s progress in play therapy?

I will meet with you on a routine basis to keep you apprised of your children’s therapeutic progress and work with you to build parenting skills unique to your child and his or her individual needs. Parent consultations will take place every 4-5 play therapy sessions.

 

How do I explain play therapy to my child?

It's important for you to prepare your child for their first play therapy session. You can tell your child that he/she will be coming to play with a friendly helper in a room filled with lots of toys. Your child may ask why he/she has to go, which is a natural question and indicates some uncertainty or curiosity. Offer your child comfort and by giving him or her some details of what to expect in the first play therapy session and what the playroom looks like!

You may choose to let him or her watch This Video.

 

What should my child wear to play therapy?

The play therapy room contains a wide array of toys to help your child express themselves. They will have access to paints and other potentially messy items. Please allow your child to wear clothing that can get somewhat messy without worry. Feel free to bring a change of clothes if necessary.

 

Can I attend sessions with my child/watch my child in play therapy?

Just like adults, privacy is essential for the play therapy relationship and process. Without privacy, it would take significantly longer to help your child gain insight and develop positive self-direction. While the I will not give you a play-by-play of the session, I will absolutely meet with you to share what I’m learning and collaborate on how we can help your child together as you have the information on all the other time of their week.  Parent involvement is crucial and can significantly speed up the process of therapy.

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How many sessions will my child remain in play therapy?

The time your child will be in play therapy varies widely with need. A number of factors impact this process including your child’s motivation, parent/caregiver involvement, and the severity of the struggle for which your child is presenting.

 

Do all caregivers/legal guardians/parents need to participate in therapy for a child?

Consent from all legal guardians is required prior to your child beginning therapy. In subsequent appointments it is best for all primary caregivers to be active participants in the therapy process as I feel that is when children are able to reach the most success; however, I also recognize having all caregivers present is not always possible.

 

What is group play therapy?

Similar to individual play therapy, group play therapy provides a similar environment of acceptance, empathy, and understanding; however, there are typically 2-3 children who spend their play therapy time together with one or more play therapists. Group play therapy provides children the opportunity to learn and practice social skills in situations that are similar to real life social situations. Additionally, a form of group play therapy is sibling play therapy in which a child and his or her sibling enter therapy together to directly address the sibling relationship.

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