Play Therapy
Play therapy offers an opportunity for
children to explore their emotional, social, and behavioral concerns in a
non-threatening manner. Play is a child's natural form of communicating just as
talking is an adult's natural way of communicating. Because of this, children
can often express themselves more thoroughly through play.
There are a variety of play therapy treatment
methods that can be used, ranging from storytelling to puppet play to art and
drawing to the use of specially designed games. The use of these tools allows
children to explore and express their troubles and concerns using their language
– the language of play.
Play therapists are
trained to help children by observing
and intervening throughout the play therapy process, allowing children to freely
express themselves through the techniques mentioned previously. This provides a
necessary outlet for children that, in some cases, can be just what they need to
start the healing process. Observational assessment guides the therapist
interactions and therapy goals.
Our play therapists have specialized training and experience
in the use of art, self-expression, story-telling, and therapeutic play to
assist children in the healing process.
For more information on play therapy, including answers to
these questions and more:
How do I choose a play therapist?
Does your child need play therapy?
How do I prepare my child for play therapy?
Visit
the Association for Play Therapy, Inc. website at:
www.a4pt.org/parents
