Play Therapy
Play Therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that was formally introduced in 1921. This approach is primarily used with children but can benefit clients of all ages. A typical session may last for 30-60 minutes, depending on the age and developmental stage of the client.
Play is a very effective way for a therapist to build a positive relationship with the client, helping the client feel comfortable and engaged, have fun, and begin to let their guard down. During a session, the therapist creates a safe environment, typically in the playroom or in a therapy office, in which the child is allowed to play with as few limits as possible. The room will contain a selection of specifically chosen toys, games, activities, and sensory objects that are meant to encourage the client to express his or her feelings and develop healthier behaviors and coping skills. The client's interactions with these objects essentially serve as their symbolic words. This allows the therapist to learn about specific thoughts and emotions a client may find difficult to express verbally.
Toys used in therapy may include a sand tray with associated miniature figurines, art materials, Legos or other construction toys, costumes or other clothing, stuffed animals, puppets, dolls, a dollhouse with miniature furniture, indoor sports equipment, puzzles, and other indoor games. The therapist may also incorporate the use of tools and techniques such as Play-Doh, therapeuticstorytelling, music, dance and movement, drama/role play, and creative visualization.
At first in play therapy clients are generally allowed to play as they wish. As treatment progresses, the therapist may begin to introduce specific items or play activities which are related to the issues the client is facing. Play therapy may benefit the client in a variety of ways such as encouraging creativity, promoting healing from traumatic events, facilitating the expression of emotions, encouraging the development of positive decision-making skills, introducing new ways of thinking and behaving, learning problem-solving skills, developing better social skills, and facilitating the communication of personal problems or concerns.
Play is a very effective way for a therapist to build a positive relationship with the client, helping the client feel comfortable and engaged, have fun, and begin to let their guard down. During a session, the therapist creates a safe environment, typically in the playroom or in a therapy office, in which the child is allowed to play with as few limits as possible. The room will contain a selection of specifically chosen toys, games, activities, and sensory objects that are meant to encourage the client to express his or her feelings and develop healthier behaviors and coping skills. The client's interactions with these objects essentially serve as their symbolic words. This allows the therapist to learn about specific thoughts and emotions a client may find difficult to express verbally.
Toys used in therapy may include a sand tray with associated miniature figurines, art materials, Legos or other construction toys, costumes or other clothing, stuffed animals, puppets, dolls, a dollhouse with miniature furniture, indoor sports equipment, puzzles, and other indoor games. The therapist may also incorporate the use of tools and techniques such as Play-Doh, therapeuticstorytelling, music, dance and movement, drama/role play, and creative visualization.
At first in play therapy clients are generally allowed to play as they wish. As treatment progresses, the therapist may begin to introduce specific items or play activities which are related to the issues the client is facing. Play therapy may benefit the client in a variety of ways such as encouraging creativity, promoting healing from traumatic events, facilitating the expression of emotions, encouraging the development of positive decision-making skills, introducing new ways of thinking and behaving, learning problem-solving skills, developing better social skills, and facilitating the communication of personal problems or concerns.
The Science Behind Play Therapy for Children (from GoodTherapy.org)
Play is a crucial factor in healthy child development. Neuroscience has revealed that the majority of the brain’s growth takes place within the first five years of a child’s life, and the act of play contributes significantly toward the development of interconnections between neurons. These neural links play a major role in key areas of the child’s life, such as learning, social development, emotional development, and memory.
Play is considered to be especially important for the healthy development of children who have experienced stressful events or past trauma. While the effects of trauma tend to reside in the nonverbal areas of the brain—the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, and brain stem—a person’s capacity to communicate and process adverse issues resides in the brain’s frontal lobes. As a result, children affected by trauma may find it difficult to let other people know that they need help. The physical and role-playing activities associated with play therapy have proven instrumental in helping to move traumatic memories and sensations from the nonverbal brain areas to the frontal lobes.
Play is a crucial factor in healthy child development. Neuroscience has revealed that the majority of the brain’s growth takes place within the first five years of a child’s life, and the act of play contributes significantly toward the development of interconnections between neurons. These neural links play a major role in key areas of the child’s life, such as learning, social development, emotional development, and memory.
Play is considered to be especially important for the healthy development of children who have experienced stressful events or past trauma. While the effects of trauma tend to reside in the nonverbal areas of the brain—the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, and brain stem—a person’s capacity to communicate and process adverse issues resides in the brain’s frontal lobes. As a result, children affected by trauma may find it difficult to let other people know that they need help. The physical and role-playing activities associated with play therapy have proven instrumental in helping to move traumatic memories and sensations from the nonverbal brain areas to the frontal lobes.
