What is play therapy?

When we, as adults, encounter a tough problem, we may think about it for a while, pray about it, look at it from different angles, determine our options, or consult with someone we trust. When things go wrong for us, we might mentally review what happened and think about how we might handle the situation in the future.

But children are different. When they encounter a tough problem, they don't always have the ability to do these adult-type things. That is what play therapy is all about. Play therapy creates a safe atmosphere where children can express themselves, try new things, learn more about how the world works, learn about social rules and restrictions, and work through their problems. Play therapy gives children an opportunity to explore and open up more than usual.

Play therapy involves the use of play to communicate with children and to help children learn to solve problems and change their negative behaviors. As children grow, their use of language becomes more sophisticated, but throughout childhood, they usually express much more of themselves in their play. So, it is easier to understand a child if we understand their play. By watching children play we often learn more about their thoughts, feelings, motivations, and struggles than by talking with them! In fact, play has been called the "language of childhood," so if we really want to know what is going on with a child, we must "speak his language." Play is not something trivial. On the contrary, it is a child's way of telling us what is going on in his world.

Throughout their lives, most children go through difficult times, such as the divorce of their parents, trouble making friends, or adjusting to changes at school or home. Some children need more help than others to get through these times. If you or other adults in your child's life are concerned about your child's behavior, play therapy can help. It is the most appropriate treatment for helping your child work through difficult times and helping you gain a better understanding of what your child is going through. See our free article "When To Seek Help For Your Child" for more information.

Toys are carefully selected for the play therapy room to facilitate creative and emotional expression from children. The types of toys used can be played with in many ways and they allow for decision-making in children. They are also very durable and sturdy to allow for repeated use and rough play.

Play therapy is the most appropriate method of treatment for children who are having difficulty coping with life situations. Though children lack the cognitive skills to express themselves in words, they are fluent in the language of play. Play therapy allows them to express themselves the way in which they are most comfortable.

The length of time a child is seen in play therapy varies from child to child. It depends upon the severity of the problem, the child's personality, and how the child perceived the problem. This can be discussed with your child's play therapist during consultation times.

Play therapists are specifically trained to provide an environment of acceptance, empathy, and understanding in the play therapy room. Play therapy is not the same thing as playing. Play therapy uses the child's natural tendency to "play out" their reactions to life situations, in the presence of trained play therapist, to help the child feel accepted and understood and gain a sense of control or understanding of difficult situations.

Just as a counselor who works with adults keeps the information shared confidential, the play therapist will keep the information from the play therapy session confidential (some exceptions apply). However, he or she will meet with you periodically to discuss your child's play in general themes, hear your concerns, and talk about any questions you may have related you your child's progress in play therapy.

To schedule an appointment call 214.585.4859 or email us at info@cbcmckinney.com.