Play is the natural language of a child and is often the easiest way for a child to express their thoughts and feelings. Play therapy facilitates communication, fosters emotional wellness, enhances social relationships (i.e., attachment, empathy), and increases personal strengths (i.e., a child’s development, self-esteem, self-regulation, and resiliency) (Schaefer, C. & Drewes, A. 2014). Play therapy can help children with many issues such as grief /loss, separation/divorce of parents, anger management, trauma, and developmental disabilities, and is best suited for children aged 3-12. Research indicates that play therapy is an effective therapeutic approach regardless of age, gender, or nature of the problem (Association for Play Therapy 2022).  In the play therapy process, the child is invited to choose objects and figures to engage in sand play therapy or other types of play therapy modalities, such as art and story telling. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the play therapy process through initial parent interviews, parent feedback sessions, and to provide support to the child through the therapy process. Children and families heal faster when they work together (Association for Play Therapy, 2022).

As a process, play therapy can take an average of 20 sessions to resolve the presenting issue for the child, but some children show improvement much quicker (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002).  As a Therapeutic Play Practitioner, I offer a fully equipped play therapy room to facilitate play-based interventions for children and families.

References:

Carmichael, K. D. (2006). Play therapy: An introduction. Glenview, IL: Prentice Hall.

Landreth, G. L. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship. New York, NY: Brunner-Ruttledge.

Schaefer, C. E. & Drewes, A.A. (2014). The therapeutic powers of play: 20 core agents of change (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Why Play Therapy? – Association for Play Therapy (a4pt.org)

Play Therapy Makes a Difference – Association for Play Therapy (a4pt.org)