Play is to the child what verbalization is to the adult. Through play children express their feelings and explore relationships. Adults are able to verbally express their feelings, frustrations, anxieties, and personal problems but children do not have that ability. In a play therapy relationship, children are free to explore their world easily and naturally. It is this new found freedom of self-directing that helps the child to change because in the therapeutic playroom the child is safe to be themselves. To help the child express their feelings and needs, the play room is equipped with a variety of specially selected toys and materials which they can use as a medium for expression. The toys are their words and play is their language.
Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983).
Studies show that children with anxiety, depression, attention deficit, autism, academic and social developmental issues, physical learning disabilities, conduct disorder, anger management, grief and loss, divorce, and crisis and trauma benefit from play therapy.
Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983).
Studies show that children with anxiety, depression, attention deficit, autism, academic and social developmental issues, physical learning disabilities, conduct disorder, anger management, grief and loss, divorce, and crisis and trauma benefit from play therapy.
Play Therapy
Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet. ~Virginia Axline
