What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a type of therapy used to help children express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play. It involves the use of toys, games, and other play materials to create a safe and therapeutic environment for children to explore and work through their challenges. Play therapy is often used to address issues such as behavioral problems, emotional difficulties, and trauma in children. The therapist works with the child to develop a trusting relationship and uses play as a means of communication and healing.

For Parents:

When explaining play therapy to parents, it can be helpful to emphasize the following points: ​

1. Play therapy is a specialised form of therapy designed specifically for children. It is based on the idea that children communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play.

2. Play therapy is conducted by a trained and licensed therapist who specializes in working with children. The therapist creates a safe and supportive environment for the child to play and explore.

3. During play therapy sessions, children engage in a range of activities, such as drawing, painting, playing with toys, and acting out scenarios. The therapist observes the child's behavior and interactions, and uses these observations to guide the therapy process.

4. Play therapy can help children develop new skills, strategies, and coping mechanisms, and can help them process and manage difficult emotions and experiences.

5. Play therapy is often used to treat a variety of issues that affect children, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behavior problems, and developmental disorders.

​ Overall, it's important to emphasize to parents that play therapy is a safe, effective, and evidence-based form of therapy that can help their child work through difficult emotions and experiences. Play therapy is a form of therapy that is used to help children express themselves and work through their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Play therapy is based on the idea that children communicate through play, and that play can be used to help them explore and understand their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. ​ During play therapy sessions, the child is given a variety of toys and activities to engage with, such as dolls, puppets, art materials, and games. The therapist observes the child's play and uses it as a way to understand their inner world and help them process their emotions. The therapist may also offer guidance and support during the play, but the focus is on the child's self-expression and exploration. ​ It's important to note that play therapy is not just about playtime. The therapist is trained to use specific techniques and interventions to help the child develop coping skills, improve social skills, and increase self-awareness. Play therapy can be used to address a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral problems, and family conflicts. ​ When explaining play therapy to parents, it's important to emphasize that it is a child-centered approach that is tailored to the unique needs of each child. It is a safe and supportive space where children can work through their emotions and develop the skills they need to thrive. Parents may also be involved in the therapy process, through regular check-ins with the therapist and homework assignments to reinforce the skills learned in therapy.