Exploring feelings in a kid-friendly way with Play Therapy
“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts and souls meet.” - Virginia Axline
What is play therapy? Play therapists like to say that “play is a child’s language, and toys are a child’s words.” Play therapy builds on a child’s natural tendency to learn about the world through play, so they can work through big feelings and difficult life changes. Sitting on a couch across the room from a strange adult isn’t always the most natural thing for kids. Play therapy is a wonderful way for children to feel safe and comfortable in the therapy room.
How is play in a therapy office different from play at home? Play therapists are trained to notice underlying themes and metaphors that repeat themselves in a child’s play. These metaphors and themes give play therapists insight into how kids are thinking and feeling.
Play is how kids learn about the world.
What does a play therapy room look like? You’ll see a wide variety of toys in a play therapists office that aim to give children a broad vocabulary to choose from. Expect to find nurturing toys, like dolls, aggressive toys, like punching bags, creative toys, like art supplies, and sensory toys, like the sand tray. Play therapy toys are open-ended to encourage kids to play in a variety of ways.
What will my child do in play therapy? Within the umbrella of play therapy, you’ll find a variety of different approaches. Some play therapists are child-centered, meaning they are trained to follow a child’s lead and let them set the pace for therapy. Some approaches incorporate education about feelings or coping strategies into play to help children learn new skills.
Here at PLC, we use a combination of both approaches to give your child a diverse way to express themselves and learn new ways to manage big feelings and situations.
Play is powerful and necessary for children to learn and grow. Therapy involving play, sand, and activities will increase self-awareness, acceptance, regulation, and self-control.
Ready to work with us? Contact us now.
