How Does Play Therapy Work?
Play therapy is designed for children 3 to 12 years of age. Play therapy is a restructuring of the traditional counseling session tailored to children. Where adolescents and adults possess the cognitive development for self-reflection, self-analysis, and introspection; children do not possess these skills. A traditional therapy format with children ends up being a therapist asking countless questions and typically getting an “I don’t know” response. This is frustrating for both parties and not productive at all.
Play therapists typically have some training and experience in play therapy and working with children. The therapy office has many different types of toys and games. Therapists typically follow the lead of the child while playing and therapists attempt to inquire and ask questions about the dynamics of the play to solicit useful insight and understanding into issues with a child. The theory is that children often communicate unconsciously through play and may act out scenarios and situations they are struggling with thereby revealing thoughts and feelings that the child would not otherwise be able to directly articulate as adults do. Over 70% of children seen for play therapy experience a positive outcome in behavior and emotional regulation.
How is play Therapy Structured?
Play therapy at its broadest level is either directive or non-directive. In non-directive play therapy the child guides the session and play activity with the therapist largely observing. Directive play therapy has the therapist guiding the session typically with an agenda in mind. The therapist may propose certain activities, games, or the use of specific toys in order to glean certain insights, or as a means of teaching the child new skills.
Many therapists may have families and children complete some pre-treatment surveys, testing, or even drawings to get some ideas about possible directions to explore. First sessions of play therapy often involve the therapist laying out some ground rules with the children. This might include things like no one getting hurt, nothing getting broken, toys having to stay in the room after the session and that all feelings are ok. At times, the child may play alone with the therapist asking questions or making suggestions. Other times, the therapist may engage in play activities with the child to better direct scenarios. In some instances, they may have the child play with other family members to learn more about the familial dynamics. The primary goals of play therapy are to help the child learn how to express their thoughts, regulate their emotions better, increase their self-esteem, and help them find resolutions to difficult situations like bullying, parental divorce, death, illness, or any number of other struggles they may be going through.
If you would like to meet with one of our child therapists, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule an appointment. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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