What is play therapy?
Play therapy is a form of therapy that uses PLAY to communicate with and help children to work through various difficulties they may be facing in a non-threatening manner.
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Play therapy is helpful for children facing a variety of challenges, such as:
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Challenges at school (e.g. bullying, separation issues etc.)
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Depression/Anxiety (incl. separation anxiety)
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Parental conflict (Divorce/Separation)
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Trauma/Grief/Loss
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Personal/Family illness
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Impulse control & ADD/ADHD
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Autism spectrum disorder, Social struggles, social anxiety or withdrawal
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Selective mutism
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Nightmares or sleep problems
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Anger management
Play therapy aims to develop a RELATIONSHIP between the child and the therapist. This relationship is crucial to the play therapy process. The therapist enters the child’s world; follows the child’s lead and aims to create a safe space and build a relationship of trust. The role of the therapist is to assist the child through this process.
Play therapy is generally employed with children aged 3 through 16 and provides a way for them to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. As children's experiences and knowledge are often communicated through play, it becomes an important means for them to know and accept themselves and others.