Play Therapy
Children (and even adults) may not always have the words or sense of emotional readiness to communicate and move through their experiences. Play Therapy utilizes forms of play, imagination and creativity as an outlet for free and spontaneous expression and processing.
What to expect in a session?
For Play Therapy with Children, Parents/Guardians play an important role in the process. Most Play Therapy support begins with first connecting with the Child’s Parents to gain an understanding of their perspective of family dynamics and the needs of the Child. Your Therapist may also take time in this initial session to sit one on one with your Child or might encourage the family to play and create together. It is important for the Child’s sense of emotional safety in session that the Therapist observe as much confidentiality as possible. However, the Parents/Guardians will be regularly involved in the process.
Why Play Therapy?
Non-verbal expression
Creative Problem Solving
Emotion Regulation
Social-Emotional Learning
Improved Relationships
Sensory Based
Increased sense of empowerment
Connecting to authentic self
Supporting the Inner Child
Play Therapy With Children
Play Therapy is most often utilized with children ages 3-11. However, it can be equally effective for teens and adults. When your Child is engaged in Play Therapy, Parents (and sometimes siblings) can play an important role in the process and are often invited to join session. Working with the family in this way helps the Therapist to better understand the dynamics within the family system to best support the child. Play Therapy engages age appropriate toys, games, art and/or sand tray activities as a part of the therapeutic process.