Wholehearted Parenting – Play is the Work of Children…The Ins and Outs of Play Therapy

We often trivialize play and only view it as something kids do. We’re right, not only do kids play, but they’re experts at it. We also know that “play is the work of children”, according to the developmental psychologist Jean Piaget.

Play therapy offers a view into a child’s world. Play therapists are specially trained therapists, who incorporate techniques to help children express their feelings and adjust to life’s difficulties. Children, who benefit from play therapy, might be experiencing a divorce, death, health issues, school, family or friendship issues.

I hope you will take the time to listen to my conversation with Bonnie Compton APRN, BC, CPNP, host of Wholehearted Parenting as we discuss the benefit of play therapy for children. You’ll learn what play therapy is and how it may help your child.

The Ins and Outs of Play Therapy

Worry Stones

A simple gem stone can be used to help a child manage anxiety.

Tucker the Turtle

The turtle technique is a helpful tool for children who have a difficult time managing their anger. 

The Family Quilt

Many families struggle with being able to see that each family member brings unique strengths to the family and that without each member, their family would not be complete. The family quilt technique enables them to see their family from a new perspective.

Flip Flop Faces!

What do you get when you combine feelings and bean bags? FLIP, FLOP, FACES!

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a theoretically based treatment approach for children 3-12 years of age that uses a child’s natural tendency to “play out” their reactions to life situations. Toys in a play therapy room include games, puppets, art supplies, and sand trays. All toys are carefully selected to facilitate creative and emotional expression from children.

In play therapy children learn how to identify and recognize their feelings. It improves their self-concept, reduces anxiety and initiates behavioral changes. By making appropriate choices in the play room children find solutions to problems and learn self control which leads to taking responsibility for their actions.

Play therapy is facilitated by a play therapist that provides an environment where a child feels safe to play out his or her concerns. As a result, the therapist can assess the child’s play and make recommendations to parents concerning plans for resolving problems.

Children who are dealing with death, divorce, abandonment, or abuse can benefit from play therapy Children who are experiencing difficulty adjusting to moving, starting school, the birth of a sibling or a chronic illness can find emotional support in play therapy. Play therapy can also help children who are experiencing problems related to anxiety, ADHD, autism, attachment disorders, and learning disabilities. 

With advanced play therapy training, experience and supervision, a mental health professional can earn the Registered Play Therapist or Registered Play Therapist Credential conferred by the Association for Play Therapy (APT). APT is a national non-profit professional society that provides research, training and credentialing programs to assist and enhance the expertise of mental health professionals. Additional information is available at www.a4pt.org

For more information on Pam Dyson and her play therapy services visit www.pamdyson.com Mental health professionals can learn more about play therapy training opportunities at www.stlplaytherapy.com

Feelings Bucket Toss