Yes, Play Therapy is a real thing and it’s extremely beneficial for children! You’re probably wondering what play therapy is and how there could be benefits of play therapy.
Yes, Play Therapy is a real thing and it’s extremely beneficial for children! You’re probably wondering what play therapy is and how there could be benefits of play therapy. But think about it… isn’t your child so much happier once you give them a toy after they were throwing a fit? Ok- that’s not exactly how it works in play therapy BUT our point is, kids enjoy play and play is a huge role in a child’s development. There are a variety of skills that a play therapist can work on while in session and they will tailor this completely to your child and what motivates them! February 2nd-8th is National Play Therapy Awareness Week, so we wanted to highlight this special week and let you know why it can be so beneficial for your child.
Play Therapy, like any type of therapy, is meant to target challenging areas for the child and promote positive behaviors. Some of the behaviors and skills that we can work on in Play Therapy at PediaPlex are:
Working on these skills is extremely beneficial for your child because it will help them to understand and communicate better with you and others around them. Play Therapy can also help stimulate your child’s creative thinking, regulate emotions, and even improve self-esteem by observing and engaging in child play.
Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play to help children express and process their emotions, develop social skills, and work through challenging experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, play therapy is a nonverbal form of communication that allows children to express themselves in a way that feels natural and comfortable. Through play, children can explore their feelings, understand their emotions, and find ways to cope with various challenges. Whether a child is dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or behavioral problems, play therapy offers a supportive space for them to work through their issues.
Association for Play Therapy 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 psycho-social difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.” Toys are a child’s words and play is their method of communication and expression. Licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and other therapists, are trained to help children process trauma and express emotions through play. It gives the child a safe outlet to express what is troubling them and help them to work through their emotions and thoughts. Play can look different to each child so this might include puppets, building blocks, drawing, etc.
Many parents think that play therapy is just for children on the autism spectrum, but that isn’t the case. Any child can have behavioral issues and difficulty expressing their emotions. This is why play therapy is a great way to give your child some 1-on-1 time with a therapist who can help them understand their feelings and how to handle them!
Visit our Play Therapy section on our website to find out a little bit more and give us a call if you’re thinking your child might benefit from play therapy!
–The PediaPlex Family
Play has a unique therapeutic power that can help children navigate through challenging experiences and develop healthy coping skills. In the safe and non-threatening environment of play therapy, children can express themselves freely and communicate their thoughts and feelings to adults. This form of therapy helps children develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-esteem. By engaging in play, children gain a sense of control and agency over their lives, which is crucial for their emotional and psychological well-being. Play therapy harnesses the natural language of children—play—to facilitate healing and growth.
Play therapy can have a range of benefits for children, including:
Play therapy can be a powerful tool for helping children work through traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping skills. In the supportive environment of play therapy, children can express and process their emotions safely. This therapeutic approach helps children develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-esteem. Additionally, play therapy equips children with coping skills and strategies for managing stress and anxiety, enabling them to handle difficult emotions more effectively. Through play, children can find ways to heal and build resilience in the face of adversity.
Discover how PediaPlex’s expert care can support your child’s growth and development. Fill out the Patient Intake Form or contact us today to schedule an evaluation and start your journey toward success!
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