Play therapy is a way of counselling children using carefully selected toys.
Many children feel awkward or anxious to sit with a therapist and “talk” about their difficulties. Play is the natural way for children to communicate their feelings and concerns that block their academic/social or emotional progress.
The play therapist uses the therapeutic process of play to help the child clients express their concerns, resolve psycho-social difficulties and cope with emotional stress or trauma.
How does play therapy help counselling children?
Play therapy will meet your child where s/he is, at her/his level of communication, and development. It is a non threatening and safe way that allows your child to fully explore the concerns and issues blocking her growth and adjustment.
- It serves to nip your child’s problems in the bud and can prevent issues from developing into full-blown behaviour or emotional disorders later in life.
- Abundant research supports its effectiveness in resolving a variety of children’s social, emotional and behavioural problems- including oppositional defiance, conduct problems, depression, anxiety, fears, and child sexual abuse.
- Play therapy is incredibly empowering, and will boost your child’s self-confidence and self-esteem tremendously. Kids love it!
How to prepare your child about counselling or play therapy?
You should talk to your child about counselling or play therapy in an appropriate language for her/his age and developmental level. This video will help you get more acquainted and help you prepare your child for the first play session:
Or, you can also watch this video together with your child before the first play session: