Play Therapy

Play Therapy or Traditional talk therapy can be use to help children express their fears, worries, thoughts concerns, and anxieties that are presenting challenges.

*Why Play Therapy? *

Play Therapy is different from regular play because it is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the natural way children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world (Akline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002).

*Play is the language of children*.  Play therapy has been very successful in helping children express what is bothering them when they are not yet able to verbalize their distress, fear or frustration. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and facilitates developmentally appropriate expressions of thoughts and feelings (Association for Play Therapy).

With play they are able to communicate their needs, relieve stress and build positive connections. Usually when children entered therapy they have used up all of their problem-solving tools, may misbehave or act out at home or school (Landreth, 2002).

Play also helps to regulate emotions, boost self-esteem and provides your child with the opportunity to learn, practice and master social, emotional and problem solving skills. “Trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psycho-social difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development” (Association for Play Therapy).

Some challenges addressed by Play Therapy are :

• Academic Underachievement
• Attention Deficit
• Hyperactivity Disorder
• Aggression, Bullying
• Social Issues
• Conduct and Defiance Issues
• Anxiety and Stress ( Academic, Separation, Performance, Social)
• Divorce and Separation
• Emotional regulation
• Mood stability
• Grief  and loss
• Trauma
• Impulsivity
• Sadness
• Isolation
• Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities

It takes courage to seek help for your child.  If you need guidance, click the button below to contact me or schedule a free consultation now.