What Is Play Therapy and Why Does It Work?

​With children, therapy does not have to be the stereotypical activity that we often see in movies and on television. In fact, there is an amazing type of therapy that allows a child to grow into themselves, discover the world around them, and freely express their emotions without restriction. This type of therapy is known as "Play Therapy". 

What is Play Therapy? 

Play therapy is a type of therapy often given to children ages 3 to 12 that allows the child to play in a playroom while interacting with the therapist. Through the way that the child plays and interacts with objects around the playroom, the child learns more about who he/she is and the therapist is given the opportunity to see into the child's world.

Children who might be given this therapy include those on the autism spectrum, children who are currently dealing with traumatic events in their lives, and children who have behavioral disorders or mental illnesses. The ultimate goal of play therapy is to help children learn healthy coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills, to teach them how to be more respectful and kind to the people around them and to themselves, and to help them overcome the problems that they are currently going through. 

Why Does Play Therapy Work?

• Play Therapy Provides Insight Into What a Child Is Experiencing- Although it seems as though play therapy is just play, it is actually an opportunity for a child to discover and work out their issues through fun, simple activities. Children will often act out their lives and their issues through the toys in the playroom and when they do, the therapist is then able to address and work through these issues with the child.
• Children Learn What They Really Want Through Play- Children aren't always able to express themselves in a way that is recognizable to adults. Play therapy unlocks these needs when the therapist helps to resolve any conflict that is being acted out in the playroom. For example, let's imagine that a victim of abuse is going through play therapy. They may decide to act out a situation using dolls in which one of the characters is being abused. The therapist is then able to step in and become the hero, telling the other characters that this is not okay and that it will not happen anymore. This gives the child a different perspective and allows them to explore those feelings that they have been unable to process and recognize prior to play therapy.
• Communication and Other Vital Skills Are Built Through Play Therapy- Play therapy gives children an opportunity to build a positive relationship with another person in a safe environment. It also gives them the freedom to express themselves in any way they see fit. When they build this kind of relationship, they are allowed to communicate safely, evaluate their feelings and wants without any fear of judgment, and discover themselves. This is what makes play therapy so effective.

The most important question that people ask is, who is play therapy for? That's a great question! The answer is that play therapy is great for any child and it is sometimes practiced with teenagers and even adults on occasion. All you have to do is find the play therapist that will be best for your child and their needs!

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