You probably know that it is important for children to play and be active. This is also a principle that is used when it comes to play therapy. This type of therapy is designed to help children come to terms with how they are feeling and events they have experienced, in a way that makes sense to them. Keep reading for more information about play therapy and what it involves.
Things To Know About Play Therapy
If you have ever watched television and noticed a scene where a therapist is speaking with a child and allowing them to play with dolls or draw pictures, you may have a vague idea of what play therapy is.
Play therapy involves allowing a child to play with toys or draw pictures after they have experienced trauma or when they are unable to express how they feel. Therapists that specialize in this type of therapy can pick up on cues as the child plays, which allows them to better understand what the child is going through. Here are other facts about play therapy that you may be interested to know. There is also an article that offers more information here: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/play-therapy-activities-to-make-healing-fun/.
1. Can be used in kids of all ages. Play therapy is designed to be used for children from those that are able to talk up to around 12 years old. In some instances, it is also utilized in adults that are unable to express themselves, such as those who are experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s.
2. May be guided or not guided. When play therapy is being used, a therapist will either allow a child to choose what toy they want to play with or give them specific toys to play with. If they are asked to draw pictures, they may allow a child to draw whatever they would like to or ask a child to draw something specific. The principle in this is that a child will be able to express themselves when they are playing or drawing, in ways they may not be able to express through their words.
3. Allows a child to open up to a therapist gradually. The idea is that as a child starts to play, they will be better able to let their guard down as they become more comfortable. This may be easier for them to do versus when they are around a person or loved one that they see every day. As they play or draw, they maybe able to open up better, and a therapist will be able to pick up certain signals from these activities to let them know how the child is feeling. Also, they maybe able to determine how best to help.
4. Might be used in addition to other types of therapy. Another beneficial thing about art therapy is that it can be used alongside other types of therapy. For example, if your child is already being seen by a psychiatrist, they may also be able to work using play therapy. If you are interested in play therapy for your child, you may want to talk to their therapist about it for specifics and to hear their professional opinion.
5. Therapists can teach children how to work through their emotions. When a therapist begins to understand what a child is experiencing, they may start to help them work through the emotions and conflicts that are affecting them. They can also offer advice and techniques to follow, much like they would talk about with adults.
6. Play therapy is used for a number of different conditions. Play therapy can be used for children that have issues talking or when their motor skills are lacking, as well as if self-esteem, anxiety, or talking to their peers is presenting an issue.
Overview
Play therapy can be helpful for you child, for a few different reasons. They may be better able to express themselves when they work through play therapy, and they might even end up being more self-confident. If you have a child that may need to utilize this type of support, check in your area to see if there are child psychologists that will be able to lend a hand.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
