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What Is Play Therapy?

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Summary

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Play therapy allows kids to talk about their feelings and emotions through play. A therapist will play with them and ask questions to help them open up and express themselves. It’s a safe and fun way for kids to get help with their problems and feel better.

Frequently Asked Question

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Who can benefit from play therapy?

Play therapy can be beneficial for children and adolescents with a range of emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties. It can help with issues such as trauma, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and behavioral problems.

How is play therapy different from other forms of therapy?

Play therapy is different from other forms of therapy in that it focuses on the child’s experience through play and encourages expression through non-verbal means. This makes it especially helpful for younger children and those who are uncomfortable talking about their feelings.

Is play therapy effective for treating mental health issues in children?

Play therapy has been found to be effective for treating mental health issues in children. Research has shown that play therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties, and can improve children’s overall well-being and functioning.

Scientific Definition

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Play therapy is a type of therapy that uses play to help children express their feelings and emotions. It’s like talking to a friend, but kids play with toys, games, and other things instead of talking. A therapist will play with them and ask questions to help the child open up and talk about what’s going on in their life. Play therapy is beneficial for kids who are too young to talk about their problems with words. By playing, they can show what they’re feeling in a way that’s comfortable for them. Play therapy can help kids work through stress, anxiety, or trouble at home or school. It’s a safe and fun way for kids to express themselves and get help with their feelings. And it’s a way for therapists to understand what’s going on in the child’s life and help them find solutions to their problems.

Video Explanation

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Real World Example of Play Therapy

Susie is a lively and imaginative seven-year-old who’s been feeling unusually quiet and withdrawn lately. Her parents noticed that she struggled to express herself verbally, especially since her best friend moved away. Concerned about her well-being, they decided to try play therapy to help her open up. Here’s how play therapy helped Susie:

  • First Session: Susie entered the playroom, filled with intriguing toys and games. She hesitated at first but soon picked up a doll and started creating a story about friendship and missing her friend.
  • Symbolic Expression: Through play, Susie symbolically acted out her feelings of loss and loneliness, giving the therapist insight into her emotions.
  • Artful Communication: Susie used drawings and crafts to express her thoughts and emotions more vividly, building a bridge of understanding with her therapist.
  • Emotional Discovery: In a puppet play, Susie interacted with a puppet that mirrored her feelings, allowing her to explore and comprehend her emotions better.
  • Growing Confidence: Over the sessions, Susie gained confidence and started verbalizing her emotions, thanks to the therapist’s reflective listening and encouragement.

Through play therapy, Susie found her voice and learned to navigate her emotions. The creative and supportive environment allowed her to heal, grow, and embrace her true self once again.

How Does Play Therapy Work?

Play therapy engages children in a therapeutic process using play to explore and express their emotions. It offers a non-threatening environment where kids can communicate their feelings through activities and games. Here are some examples of how it works:

  • Symbolic Play: Children use toys and symbols to represent their experiences and emotions.
  • Role-Playing: Kids act out scenarios to express their thoughts and feelings.
  • Art Therapy: Drawing and crafting help children convey emotions visually.
  • Sandplay: Children create scenes in a tray of sand, representing their inner world.
  • Storytelling: Kids share stories that reflect their experiences and emotions.
  • Puppet Play: Children use puppets to express themselves indirectly.
  • Game Play: Therapeutic games encourage communication and emotional expression.
  • Therapist Interaction: The therapist interacts with the child, fostering trust and understanding.
  • Reflective Listening: The therapist listens actively and validates the child’s feelings.
  • Emotion Identification: The therapist helps the child recognize and label emotions.

Play therapy empowers children to process their emotions, build resilience, and find positive ways to cope with challenges. Goally’s tablet and apps aid play therapy, enhancing life skills, language development, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills in children.

 

This post was originally published on Feb. 13, 2023. It was updated on July 21, 2023.