Play therapy is a method that allows children to express themselves through the
use of a variety of activities made available to them including toys, fantasy play, or
art. Play therapy is utilized when children are too young to talk about their feelings
the way adults do or in conjunction with traditional therapy techniques to help
facilitate identification and verbal expression of feelings. Within a safe and
understanding environment, children are able to rehearse life interactions and to
process underlying emotional concerns by allowing them to recreate experiences
and emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, and frustration. Giving children an
appropriate outlet for these feelings prevents these emotions from having to be
expressed through maladaptive behavioral means. With the help of a trained
therapist, emotional conflicts can be represented though play and ultimately be
resolved as play evolves and children acquire more understanding and a sense of
control over their situation. Play therapy has been proven to:
The length of play therapy depends on a child’s developmental stage and the age
of onset of the issue needing to be addressed. In addition to play therapy,
collateral parent meetings may be scheduled when warranted to establish
objectives of treatment, review progress made toward goals, and relay
recommendations that can support the therapy process, such as behavioral
management techniques to be implemented in the home.
use of a variety of activities made available to them including toys, fantasy play, or
art. Play therapy is utilized when children are too young to talk about their feelings
the way adults do or in conjunction with traditional therapy techniques to help
facilitate identification and verbal expression of feelings. Within a safe and
understanding environment, children are able to rehearse life interactions and to
process underlying emotional concerns by allowing them to recreate experiences
and emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, and frustration. Giving children an
appropriate outlet for these feelings prevents these emotions from having to be
expressed through maladaptive behavioral means. With the help of a trained
therapist, emotional conflicts can be represented though play and ultimately be
resolved as play evolves and children acquire more understanding and a sense of
control over their situation. Play therapy has been proven to:
- Decrease acting-out behaviors
- Change children’s view of events
- Allow them to enjoy interactions with others through improved social skills
- Increase self-esteem
- Reestablish balance and a sense of well-being
- Reestablish and improve family relations.
The length of play therapy depends on a child’s developmental stage and the age
of onset of the issue needing to be addressed. In addition to play therapy,
collateral parent meetings may be scheduled when warranted to establish
objectives of treatment, review progress made toward goals, and relay
recommendations that can support the therapy process, such as behavioral
management techniques to be implemented in the home.
"Be not afraid of growing slowly, be only afraid of standing still." -Chinese proverb |
CHILD PLAY THERAPY SERVICES
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Help your child blossom
| Copyright © 2006, Evelyn Novello, Ph.D. www.pasadenapsychology.com |