For children, play is “work”-that is, play is how kids learn the skills they need to navigate the world. During play therapy, a child’s natural inclination to play is used as a powerful foundation to help them resolve trauma, regulate emotions, and integrate into their social world.
Toys are often used in play therapy to provide the child a safe way to access and resolve emotional difficulties without becoming overwhelmed. In addition, the positive relationship that develops between the child and therapist provides a healing emotional experience and allows for healthy cognitive development. The therapist will guide the child towards one or more of the following outcomes:
- Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
- Learn to experience and express emotion.
- Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.
- Learn new social skills and relational skills with family.
- Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness about their abilities.
Play therapy is widely used for ages 3-11 and up, and can help address the following issues your child may be facing:
- anxiety disorders
- obsessive-compulsive disorders
- depression
- attention deficit hyperactivity
- autism spectrum
- oppositional defiant and conduct disorders
- anger management
- crisis and trauma
- grief and loss
- divorce and family dissolution
- academic and social developmental
- physical and learning disabilities
Please contact our office for availability.