What is Play Therapy?
- connectedheartsthe
- Jun 23, 2024
- 1 min read
Play therapy is a form of counseling or psychotherapy that uses play to communicate with and help children. Instead of relying on words, which can be challenging for young children to express their thoughts and feelings, play therapy allows them to communicate through toys, games, and other creative activities.
"Toys are children's words and play is their language." - Gary Landreth
How Play Therapy Works
In a play therapy session, a trained therapist creates a safe and supportive environment for children to play freely. Through their play, children can act out their experiences, express their emotions, and work through their struggles in a way that feels natural to them.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Emotional Expression: Play therapy helps children express their feelings and experiences that they may not be able to articulate verbally.
Problem-Solving Skills: By engaging in play, children can develop problem-solving skills, learn to make decisions, and practice coping strategies.
Building Relationships: Play therapy can improve a child's social skills, help them build trust with the therapist, and enhance their relationships with others.
Healing Trauma: Children who have experienced trauma can benefit from play therapy as it helps them process and heal from their painful experiences.
Boosting Self-Esteem: Through play therapy, children can gain a sense of accomplishment, build confidence, and develop a positive self-image.
Overall, play therapy offers a unique and effective way to support children in their emotional and psychological development. It provides a safe space for children to explore, learn, heal and grow, helping them navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.