What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is rooted in principles of child development, as play is a child’s first language. Play provides a medium of self-expression parallel to how adults verbally process their thoughts and feelings. Play Therapy is a modality of child therapy, that is provided by licensed professionals who have extensive specialized training in the use of play therapy theory, assessment, and interventions. Play Therapy also encompasses various expressive therapies utilized with adolescents, families and adults who are interested in exploring their emotions through various mediums. Research in the field of neuroscience supports the healing powers of play to assists clients with processing their experiences and developing more effective strategies for managing their worlds.
Would my Child, Family or Adolescent Benefit from Play or Expressive Therapy?
The decision as a parent or caregiver to seek therapy services is a personal choice. Children are seen in therapy for an array of reasons that include adjusting to stressors or changes within a family system or their community, behavioral issues that may be caused by bullying, grief and loss, divorce, abandonment, trauma, physical and sexual abuse or medical conditions. Children also experience various mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity or ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and physical or learning disabilities.
Play Therapy is an effective, evidenced-based mental health approach, regardless of age, gender, cultural background, or the nature of the problem. Play therapy benefits children and adolescents best when a parent, family member, or caregiver is actively involved in the treatment process.
What does a Play Therapy Session look like?
Play therapy sessions are as unique as the families and children who attend them. Clinicians observe, interact collaboratively, and direct the process of play therapy based on their theoretical orientation, presenting symptoms of clients and developed treatment goals. Clients select forms of expression through toys that provide symbolism and metaphors, art activities, games, and sensory tools. The toys and other items in a play therapy office are specifically selected and arranged to assist clients in meeting their therapy goals. These mediums provide forms of expression, development of coping strategies and tools to develop skills that will be able to be used outside of the playroom at home, in school, and in the community.
Watch the video below for a quick overview of why play therapy can be a helpful tool for your child.
To become a new patient, please visit our New Patients page and complete the Online Interest Form. Our intake team will be in touch in 24-48 hours. If you have questions about play therapy, feel free to contact us at 804-743-0960, or email us.