What Is Play Therapy?

Hey there, parents, caregivers and loved ones of children and teens! I want to share my perspective on the impact and importance of play in your child's emotional well-being and growth in the therapy space. It might sound a bit strange at first, but let me break it down for you so that you feel confident and comfortable about the play therapy approach.

The Language of Play

First things first, children have their own way of talking, and it's not always with words (I know, I know - echoes of screaming, eye rolls, tantrums come to mind). My focus is on how children express themselves through play, story telling and social stories. Picture a world where toys, games, and art supplies are their words and play is their language. This is where the magic happens - in a playroom where they can be themselves, unfiltered and free.

A Safe Space for Little Hearts

Imagine a room filled with toys of all shapes and colors, where your child can explore, create, and just be. This playroom becomes their cozy hideaway, where they can share their feelings without the pressure of finding the "right" words. It's a space that says, "You're safe here. Whatever you feel is okay."

Empowering Through Play

You know how sometimes as grown-ups, we get to choose how we express ourselves - through words, writing, art, or even just a good talk with a friend? Well, in child-centered play therapy, we give that power to your little one. They get to pick their way of speaking up, whether it's through drawing, using toys as stand-ins, or even creating make-believe worlds. This empowers them, building confidence and self-trust.

Nurturing Emotional Adventures

Growing up isn't always a walk in the park. Kids, just like us, face challenges and big emotions. Child-centered play therapy helps them navigate this emotional terrain. They get to work through tricky situations, replay experiences, and find their own path to healing - all while having a lot of fun!

What Does Play Look Like

I have had kids identify or draw characters from their favorite shows, video games or stories to help figure out what skills and strengths these characters have and how the child can harness them into their world. In Sand Tray, children may be playing out stories indirectly related to their world with themes of feeling powerless, overwhelmed, angry and many other complex feelings. Maybe they are playing out an epic battle of army men with good vs evil as the theme. This may be the child’s way of working out turmoil or chaos in their lives, whether it be a bully at school, conflict at home or just trying to work out their sense of right and wrong in the world. I get to put on my detective hat and help make sense of what their story means, reflect on themes and emotions, and ultimately gain more insight into how this story relates to them.

A Trust-Filled Connection

Imagine your child having a friend who listens without judgment, who understands their world, and who is there just for them. That's the therapist in child-centered play therapy. Through this playful interaction, a strong bond forms. Your child learns that their feelings matter, and that they're truly heard and seen.

Problem-Solving Superheroes

Play therapy isn't just about playtime; it's about building life skills too. When kids engage in imaginative play, they're actually becoming problem-solving pros. They learn to think outside the box, consider different viewpoints, and find creative solutions. These are skills that will stick with them, helping them tackle whatever life throws their way.

Tailored to Your Amazing Kid

One of the most beautiful things about child-centered play therapy is that it's tailored to your child's unique journey. Whether they're taking their first steps in understanding emotions, building social skills, or working through specific challenges, this therapy grows with them.

In a Nutshell

Child-centered play therapy is like a secret doorway into your child's heart and mind. It speaks their language, builds trust, and helps them grow emotionally. It's a space where they get to be the amazing little people they are, unapologetically.

Trust the Process

So when you ask your child what they did at therapy today and they say, “we just played” or “we made slime,” know that all of these measures were being met in a developmentally appropriate way. Here’s to helping your child bloom into the incredible person they're meant to be!