Why Play Therapy?
How does play therapy help? Play therapy helps children understand their feelings, manage their behaviors, and learn healthy ways to cope with challenges. Children don’t always have the words to explain what they feel or why they act a certain way. In play therapy, play becomes their way of communicating. The therapist provides a safe, supportive environment where children can express themselves, learn new skills, and build confidence. As a trained play therapist, my responses are designed to facilitate specific skills for your child. Through the therapeutic relationship, your child will feel safe to engage in creative and constructive ways to get their needs met and develop positive coping skills. Additionally, I will work with you to develop greater understanding of your child’s needs and motivations, as well as help you develop skills to respond to your child in ways that will develop your child’s wellness and your relationship with your child.
When my child comes to therapy, will they just...play? Yes, and no. Play is the language of children and toys are their words. Using play therapy techniques, I work as a "translator," allowing children to feel seen, heard, and understood in ways that reduce the need to continue ineffective behaviors. Throughout the process of therapy, I work with parents to increase capacity for understanding play and communication with their child.
What makes play therapy different from regular play? Play therapy differs from regular play because it is a therapeutic process guided by a trained professional to help children express emotions, develop self-regulation skills, and resolve challenges. While regular play is primarily for enjoyment, play therapy uses specific techniques to address emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns. In play therapy, children use toys, art, and storytelling as symbolic tools to communicate feelings they may not have the words for yet. Play therapists observe patterns in play that provide insight into a child's inner world, provides a safe and accepting space, and helps facilitate emotional growth. Often children are not able to fully express themselves as not all play is accepted with peers or at home. In play therapy, children are able to play in any way that they desire without concern of judgment. Unlike free play, where there is no goal, play therapy is an intentional process that fosters self-awareness, problem solving, impoved self-esteem, and emotional regulation in a child-centered way.
How can I tell play therapy is working? You can tell play therapy is working when you notice positive changes in your child's emotions, behaviors, and self regulation skills over time. While progress may be gradual, signs of improvement can include better emotional regulation, fewer tantrums, less intense or shorter duration of outbursts, increased confidence, and improved social interactions. Your child may also begin to express their thoughts and feelings more openly or use play to process emotions outside of therapy. Other indicators include a decrease in anxiety or behavioral issues, better problem solving skills, and an increased ability to handle frustration or disappointment. I will also provide feedback on progress, noting themes in play that suggest growth or healing. Since every child moves at their own pace, consistency and patience are key to seeing meaningful results.
What is the brain science behind play therapy? Check out this wonderful article: https://www.willowandmosscounseling.com/blog/neuroscience-of-pla-2mks8