WHAT IS PLAY THERAPY?
Play Therapy is a technique that is based upon the fact that play is a child’s natural medium of self expression. It is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with emotional stress or trauma. It is an opportunity, given to the child to play out his/her feelings and problems in a non-directive, safe and secure environment.
Practitioners of Play Therapy believe that this method allows the child to manipulate the world on a smaller scale, by playing with specially selected materials and through the guidance of a person who reacts in a designated manner, the child plays out his/her feelings, bringing these hidden emotions to the surface where he/she can face them and cope with them. In it’s most psychotherapeutic form, the therapist is unconditionally accepting anything the child might say or do. The therapist never expresses shock, argues, teases, moralizes or tells the child that his/her perceptions are incorrect. An atmosphere should be created in which the child knows that he/she can express himself/herself in a non-punitive environment. The atmosphere is permissive, however, certain limits may have to be imposed such as restrictions on destroying materials, attacking the therapist or going beyond a set time limit. A therapist uses the following methods; free play, imaginary play, sandtray, drama, story telling, art and music.
A complete history of the child is attained followed by a clinical assessment and consultation with the parent/carer. Based on the outcomes, an appropriate treatment modality is chosen. In all cases, the treatment is play based and child centered, focusing on the individual needs of the child.
PLAY THERAPY IS USED TO HELP
Children diagnosed with personal, social and emotional disorders
Children diagnosed with learning disabilities
Children in a stressed environment
Children who are dealing with parental conflict, separation or divorce
Children who have been traumatized (sexual, physical, social or emotional abuse)
Children who have been adopted or are in foster care
Children who are dealing with issues of loss
Children who have been hospitalized
Children who have witnessed domestic violence
Children who have experienced serious accidents or disasters
SOME BENEFITS OF PLAY THERAPY
Reduces anxiety about traumatic events in child’s life
Facilitates a child’s expression of feelings
Promotes self-confidence and sense of competence
Develops a sense of trust in self and others
Defines healthy boundaries
Creates or enhances healthy bonding in relationships
Enhances creativity and playfulness
Promotes appropriate behavior
SIGNS THAT COULD IDENTIFY A CHILD’S NEED FOR THERAPY
Excessive anger, worry, sadness or fear
Aggressive behavior (hurting others or self)
Separation anxiety
Excessive shyness
Behavioral regression
Low self-esteem
Learning or other school related problems
Sleep, eating or elimination problems
Preoccupation with sexual behavior
Difficulty adjusting to family changes
Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches that have no medical cause
Play Therapy is an internationally recognized mental health therapy, and referrals can be through doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, teachers, special need advisors, social workers and parents
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