Similar to any other form of therapy, play therapy is a type of child centered counseling that uses the medium of play to empower children to heal emotionally and navigate through feelings and situations that they find difficult to cope with. Therefore, children are usually not expected to talk about their issues as they can effectively communicate their feelings with the help of toys, games, and art.
What Actually Happens During Play Therapy Sessions?
At the outset of a play therapy session, a child is more than free to utilize any toys, dolls, action figures, art supplies, or sand trays that a therapist has ready. A play therapist who is trained to work with children will have a clear understanding of how a child communicates with the help of play. Even though a child appears to be enjoying themselves, every activity is goal oriented. For instance, a child might deep-draw inner feelings that they are unable to articulate, vividly depicting their world using toy animals as characters in their story.
Common Changes Kids Experience
To be frank, play therapy is not solely meant to benefit children with problematic issues. It can be useful for children who require some support. The following are indications it can be useful.
Behavior Changes: When a child starts changing and exhibiting concerns such as being cranky, starting to throw temper tantrums, and engaging in other activities that a child does not derive benefit from, then it is crucial to investigate what caused the child to start behaving that way.
Difficulties Dealing With Emotions: Children sometimes do not understand how to deal with what they are going through. If your child is overly angry or anxious without a clear understanding of what’s behind it, then play therapy would give them tools to help cope in a safe way
Changes Such As Moving, Changing Schools, or Even Getting New Family Members (Brothers and Sisters):
Moving, changing schools, or giving birth to a sibling usually makes children feel excited, anxious, or all kinds of emotions all at once.
Experiencing Trauma or Grieving Someone Close:
Does your child seem withdrawn after a major change such as divorce, losing someone they loved, or scary life-shaking events like going through a very intense situation? If they do, play therapy can help your child feel safe expressing feelings that are difficult to deal with.
Problems in School: A child struggling with focus, concentration, or while trying to interact with new friends may be experiencing stress and other kinds of issues that are not healthy.
When Should You Successfully Seek Child Counseling?
Kids aged three to twelve may not express their feelings in words like adults do but act them out. Some of the signs that can be indicative of psychological distress in children are:
Sleeping Difficulties: Is the child struggling going to sleep, waking up frequently or dealing with scary dreams?
Regression: If your child starts engaging in actions they’ve previously mastered, like bedwetting or excessive clingy behavior, it may indicate emotional distress.
Somatic Complaints: Have you noticed them complaining of frequent headaches or stomachache without any medical condition?
Loss of Self-Worth: Parents ought to be worried if they notice their child feeling negative about themselves, as in, “I am dumb,” and many more.
Why Does It Work?
Unlike other forms of therapy, play therapy allows children to express themselves through their imaginations. Instead of needing to put their worries into words, they can express it through play. That way, once the children are comfortable enough with the therapists, they will reveal the rest of the issues that concern them.
Wonder why it has become so popular?
Therapy with a Twist: As adults may have a hard time tapping into emotions that may have been suppressed, children can easily with the help of therapy.
Skills Development: Children are great at coping with emotions, issues, and social interactions, but they need help refining these skills. Play therapy encourages them to open up with their emotions by allowing them to engage in play.
Safe Space: Children’s thoughts and feelings are freely explored in the controlled environment of play therapy. Since children are not judged, they feel safe to speak their minds.
Feeling Empowered: When children are presented with a difficult scenario in a game, it boosts their confidence with the realization, “I can do this.”
How to Get Started with Play Therapy
Finding a therapist that deals with children using play therapy techniques would be the first step if you think your child would benefit. Consult your child’s doctor, school counselor, or parents of other students for referrals. Do not forget to find a therapist specialized in children and equipped with the play therapy skills.
Initially, the therapist may spend time interacting with your child to figure out the best way to help them and may want to meet you too. These sessions help in better understanding the goals and how to assist your child at home.
What Parents Should Know
You need to understand that it is not only the child who has work to complete within the playroom. You also have to play your part. It may take time and effort to see results that may not come as fast as you would prefer. Play therapy is not designed to treat a child; rather, it is aimed primarily at equipping the child with certain skills to cope with the realities of life.
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