If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard about play therapy. It’s a huge content-driver on social media and has become a buzzword in parenting circles in recent years. But do the experts back it up? And how can it support your child?
What is play therapy?
Play therapy has actually been in use for decades. It’s a therapy method that tunes in to a child’s natural desires to role play and explore.
It’s based on the idea that children use play to explore their inner world, both conscious and unconscious. This includes challenging experiences and emotions that might otherwise be hard for them to talk about.
So in that way, play therapy is a form of communication, one that is easy for children to cope with. Its ultimate goal is to support healing and help children to develop the skills they need to better cope with the world they’re living in.
How does play therapy work?
Play therapy is typically child-led, though it will be conducted by a qualified play therapist. But because the child is leading, they feel in control of when and how deeply they revisit difficult experiences. Typically, the play therapist will avoid guiding or interfering with the play.
The play therapist is often a psychologist, social worker or counsellor. It typically takes several sessions for the trust to be established between therapist and child. This is when the child may test what kind of play is allowed.
Typically, a play therapy room will be equipped with a wide range of toys and resources. These will generally span different categories of play, such as sensory, creative and role play. For example, a room may contain drawing materials, dolls and figurines, play dough, a doctor’s kit and a punching bag.
The therapist will observe which toys your child is drawn to, their style of play and the scenarios they play out. They may ask your child questions to probe deeper into challenges or issues they may be facing, but in a gentle, congruent way.
In real-life play, there are a lot of social norms and rules. For example, the child’s parents may actively discourage them from playing out fighting scenes. In play therapy, however, we know this can be therapeutic (within reason). And it can give real insight into what is going on in a child’s mind.
By interpreting your child’s play and tuning in to their emotional state, the therapist will gain unique insight. This will allow them to support your child’s emotions, while also building coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills.
What are the benefits of play therapy?
Play therapy is uniquely beneficial to children for a number or reasons.
- It feels safe.
This type of therapy allows children to explore challenging emotions and thoughts in a safe environment. It also offers some distance between them and any issues they might be facing, which may make them feel more comfortable as well.
- It’s useful in many different situations.
Every child will have unique challenges and need unique therapy. Because it’s led by the child, play therapy can be very individual. And it can also be used exclusively or in conjunction with other forms of therapy.
- Helps with mental health and behavioural challenges.
Researchers have been exploring play therapy for a long time. The science points to play therapy as a valuable method to help significantly decrease negative emotions and behaviours.
Studies have also found that play therapy appeared to significantly reduce some of the negative outcomes associated with ADHD. It was also found to act as an early mental health intervention to reduce disruptive classroom behaviour. And to improve outcomes for children struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and other behavioural issues.
- Helps children develop communication skills.
Children who participate in play therapy learn better communication skills, and how to name, experience and express their emotions in healthy ways.
- It leads to greater empathy and social skills.
Play therapy helps children learn to greater empathy and respect for the thoughts and feelings of others. Children who participate also have increased social skills with both friends and family.
- It leads to more responsibility and resilience.
Children who have participated in play therapy also become more responsible for their own behaviours. They are able to develop successful strategies when facing problems and develop self-efficacy and confidence in their own abilities to cope.
Who can benefit from play therapy?
Play therapy is believed to assist in a wide range of situations, including:
- Trauma
- Divorce
- Serious illness
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Bullying
- Social issues
- Major life changes
Play therapy can be valuable for children of all ages, from toddlers through to teenagers. Even some young adults can benefit. The resources and toys available can change depending on the age of the child. While younger children may enjoy playing with dolls and dress-ups, teenagers may be drawn to interactive games or physical sports, for example.
How Young Minds embraces play therapy
At Young Minds, we know that play therapy can offer valuable insight into the inner thoughts and emotions of a child. A number of our practitioners embrace this method of therapy in their practice, and have experience and expertise to help your child.
We also recognise that it’s essential for your child to feel safe and comfortable to express themselves in the play therapy environment. And we make sure to create an environment that fosters that sense of safety and security.
Remember that play therapy – like all therapy – is a process and healing is a journey. Our team is here to help your child along that journey.
If you think play therapy might benefit your child, make an appointment enquiry today. The Young Minds team is experienced in working with children and adolescents and can offer a broad range of techniques. We’d love to work with you and your family.