How Can Play Therapy Help My Child Thrive?
In Play Therapy, children learn:
“I respect myself, and therefore I can respect others”. “The play therapist maintains and communications constant regard and respect for children, regardless of behavior.” Children sense this respect, and they begin to internalize. And once a child can respect themself, they can respect others.
“My feelings are acceptable”: when a child plays out feelings with an adult who is accepting even of the most intense emotions, they learn that all feelings (though not all behaviors) are accectable. As this process unfolds the child becomes more and more comfortable expressing feelings.
“I can express my feelings responsibly” the above process decrease the intensity of expression, and the child begins to control their feelings, rather than being controlled by these feelings!
“I am responsible for myself and my actions” Through my relationship with the child and using the tools in the playroom, I allow the child to discover their own strength and resourcefulness
“When something is a problem for me, I can be creative and resourceful; I can figure it out!” Within the safety and trust of the therapeutic relationship, the child finds creative ways to tackle their problems
“I have self-control and self-direction” I always say the playroom and the therapy relationship create a sacred space. The rules are different in here, and they allow the child to slow down and really practice controlling big feelings, exploring solutions, and making their own choices.
“I feel accepted, and I learn to love myself” I talk a lot with parents about self-esteem. So many little ones come into my office struggling with a sense that something is “wrong” with them--they’ve had so many grownups tell them No or Stop, or perhaps they just can’t control their impulses and keep getting in trouble at school. It can be exhausting and devastating (for parents, too!). Play therapy offers a space to rework the sense of self and to heal!
I can make my own choices and take responsibility for the consequences.” This is especially difficult for a child struggling with anxiety! It takes a lot of guts and self-worth to take responsibility! Many adults struggle with this (I know I do!). But in Play Therapy, I take a role that allows the child to make choices for themselves and then I make sure I’m not making any statements of judgement. We start small, like allowing the child to choose whatever color they want to use, but all these small moments add up!
What do children learn in play therapy?
School counselors or pediatricians will often suggest a child see a therapist, and a common response from parents is what does a child therapist even do? I love talking about this topic, and I think you deserve to understand how therapy can help your child! Play Therapy is the best practice for working with children under the age range of about 10. But it’s a warm, nurturing, and safe space where children can explore and work through their problems.
Parents and teachers are curious about what their child is learning in Play Therapy! I often address this question using Garry Landreth’s handbook on Child-Centered Play Therapy.
The following is a quick summary for all you parents and professionals who are just skimming over resources and trying to survive another day! It’s taken from Landreth’s Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship.
Neuro-Affirming play therapy can support Autistic Kids, Kids with ADHD, and other Neurodivergent Kids.
When child therapists integrate research and training from DIR/Floortime, Autplay, and Child-Centered Play Therapy, they can provide more affirming support and play spaces for kids with neurodevelopmental differences and disabilities. Not all kids play like neurotypical kids, and that is a wonderful thing to identify and celebrate. Play and connection provides a bridge for kids to develop and heal and begin forming a sense of safety and trust in their relationships.
Why clinicians supporting neurodivergent kids should have trianing in Play Therapy, Autplay, or DIR/Floortime
Play Therapy and Parent Support can offer an affirming space for:
Children ages 3-10 experiencing a wide range of challenges
Hoping to get help? Let’s talk!
Thanks for investing time in learning about my counseling services. The fact that you are here is proof that you care deeply. You are doing your very best with the resources you have, and you deserve all the love and support for that. I am here to help, to listen, and to believe in you! As a parent myself, I know that we are all trying to help our kids, even when emotions get the best of us, when our limits are tested, and when it feels like things may never get better.
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is an evidence-based counseling service which takes into account the developmental and emotional needs of children. It’s effectiveness has been measured with children with a variety of concerns including developmental trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral challenges, child sex abuse, developmental delays and differences, and changes in the family including divorce, a recent move, birth of a sibling, or moving to a new school.
A Nurturing, Brain-Based Perspective
As a child therapist, I blend my experience in interpersonal neurobiology, infant mental health, developmental psychology and behavioral health to treat a wide range of behavioral and relational concerns. I believe that my holistic approach to connection with each person creates lasting healing through connection between brain, body, and relationships.
Areas of Focus
Parenting Challenges, Childhood Anxiety, Fears/Phobias, Trauma, Social/Emotional Challenges, Adhd, Depression, Mood Changes, Adjustment To Divorce/Separation, Relationship Challenges, Neurodevelopmental Differences, Autism Spectrum, Sensory Processing Differences.
Does My Child Need Therapy?
School counselors or pediatricians will often suggest a child see a therapist, and a common response from parents is “What does therapy for children even do?” People may be even more surprised when they enter my office, see all the toys, and are like “Wait did you say Play Therapy? Like what do you do, just play? Does it work?” Learn more here:
What Kinds of Issues Do Play Therapists Support?
As a child therapist, I blend my experience in interpersonal neurobiology, infant mental health, developmental psychology and behavioral health to treat a wide range of behavioral and relational concerns such as Anxiety, ADHD, Sensory Sensitivity, Emotional Regulation Challnges, Social Phobias, Compulsive behaviors, Fears, Dealing with Divorce or Separation, Relationship Challenges, and Anger and Aggression..