How Play Can Help Your Child Heal
"Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning." - Fred Rogers
Therapy or counseling typically involves talking through difficult or challenging situations that may be causing anxiety and stress. Most adults have a difficult time communicating their emotions with others, which means children may have an even harder time articulating. Young children may not be able to fully recognize, express, or have the ability to talk through some of the challenging situations that happen to them. Some children may not have the capacity or comfort level to communicate verbally, and others may be too shy to share any issues they may be facing.
Play therapy was developed specifically for children. The idea was to meet children where they feel most comfortable naturally. Play therapy helps children navigate through difficult emotional and mental health issues safely and healthily. The act of playing allows children to work through their issues and come to terms with them without any judgment. Play therapy is often recommended for children who are 2 through 8 years old. Children between the ages of 9 through 12 have also shown success with play therapy.
Benefits
Play therapy has proven to be effective for children who are experiencing symptoms like:
Anxiety
Attention disorders
Defiance
Depression
Phobias
Stress
Children who have experienced loss, those who have trouble sleeping or trouble making friends, or children who are displaying bullying behavior have had success with play therapy. Play therapy has even aided children who have an aversion to playing.
Play therapy is used to help children express their feelings and push through any conflicts they may be facing. It can also be used as a tool to help children build lifelong skills.
Tools
Most play therapy sessions last between 45 minutes to an hour. During a session, the child is taken to a playroom where age-appropriate toys are incorporated into their session. Some of the games and activities typically associated with play therapy include:
Board Games
Dancing
Dolls
Drawing
Music
Painting
Puppets
Sand
Stories
Types of Play Therapy
There are different approaches when it comes to playing therapy. The three different modes of play therapy include Directive, Non-Directive, and Blended.
1. Directive
Directive Play is often led by a therapist or counselor. An assessment is made based on the child's level of engagement. Depending on the situation, the therapist may try recommending certain scenarios or games that may be relevant and helpful.
2. Non-Directive
The child is the one that initiates the play during Non-Directive Play. The therapist or counselor will follow along without guiding or pushing, while still maintaining a safe, comfortable, and realistic environment for the child. During this type of play, the child is in charge of the direction, problem-solving, and initiating changes.
3. Blended
Blended Play is a combination of both Directive Play and Non-Directive Play. During this type of play, the therapist or counselor and child will work together and both lead the session. The therapist may observe the child at the beginning of the session, but eventually, they will switch roles through the session and ongoing sessions.
Studies show that play therapy has positive effects for several years after treatment. Not only does play therapy help a child understand their own emotions and work through problems, but it also has many lifelong benefits. Play therapy can help a child learn motor skills, social skills, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Play therapy has also been used to help children gain more confidence, release excess energy, and enhance their imagination and creativity.
If your child is experiencing difficulty navigating through certain situations in his or her life, play therapy may be a great place to start.
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