Play therapy is an approach used primarily with children to observe and gain insight into a child’s issues. This technique is utilized because children process information differently and therefore need to make use of a different approach to build a therapeutic relationship and express their emotions. Therapists can gain insight into a child’s thoughts and feelings as well as explore unresolved trauma through the use of play. This same method is also used to demonstrate appropriate coping mechanisms and how to redirect inappropriate behavior.
Positive Outcomes from Play therapy include:
- Stronger social skills
- Reduced anxiety
- Developing appropriate coping skills
- Problem Solving skills
- Improved communication
- Greater respect for the rules and rights of others
- Appropriate ways to express feelings
While Play therapy can be used for a variety of reasons with people of any age, it is most commonly utilized for children between the ages of 3 to 12. Play therapy can assist children who are dealing with any number of different concerns including:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Aggression
- Developmental Delay
- Family Issues (Divorce, separation, etc)
- Social Issues (difficulty interacting with peers, bullying, etc)
Get started with therapy at People to People today.