Play therapy helps children to address and resolve their own problems and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them. Play therapy makes a difference. By engaging enjoyable, fun activities that elevate the spirit and brightens the outlook on life, play therapy provides the resource and platform children need to explore the challenging issues in their lives. Play relieves feelings of stress and, most importantly, helps us express ourselves.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play.
APT defines play therapy as the “systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”
What does Play Therapy help?
Play therapy helps children:
- Become more responsible for their behaviors and develop more successful strategies
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
- Learn to experience and express emotion
- Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others
- Learn new social skills and relational skills with family
- Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities
Play therapy aims to help a child’s growth and development. The practice of play therapy requires extensive, specialized education, training and experience. With our knowledge and background, we are confident that we can set your child up for success.
If you’re interested in learning more about play therapy and how it can help your child grow, contact us today for a free consultation.