Play Therapy
Working with children is a unique therapeutic process. The theory I use when working with children under the age of 12 is called Client-Centered Play Therapy. This will be explained and discussed in our first appointment, which will typically be with the parents only. My goal is to help you help your child make progress.
Play therapy is a type of mental health intervention that is designed to help children develop and flourish emotionally as well-adjusted as possible. It involves the use of play to help children learn to solve problems and change their negative behaviors.
Client-Centered Play Therapy is often recommended for children because play is the primary way that children...
- learn about the world
- understand how different things work
- express their thoughts and feelings
- develop their physical skills
- develop their mental skills
- develop effective social skills and bonds.
As children grow, their ability to use words to express themselves increases; however, throughout childhood, they usually express much more of themselves in their play. We can understand children through understanding their play. By watching children play we often learn more about their thoughts, feelings, difficulties, motivations, and struggles than by talking with them! Play has been called the "language of childhood," so if we re-learn that language, it can help us build even stronger relationships with our children. Play is one of the most critical elements of healthy child development! (see Gary Landreth – The Art of The Relationship)
How is play therapy therapeutic?
Play therapy creates a safe space where children can express themselves, explore, learn, and work through difficulties. It allows the unconscious to come up through play, and the therapist brings the unconscious to the conscious awareness for the child through reflecting what is being played out, feelings that seem apparent, and a part of the process as the child chooses. It provides the child with the opportunity with a very form of working through problems in an emotionally safe and least intrusive manner.
