By Caroline Russell
Have you ever wondered what therapy for children looks like? When someone thinks of therapy, they may assume it is only beneficial for those experiencing trauma, stress, emotional difficulties, or behavioral issues; however, therapy can also be a great resource for teaching developing minds self-expression, emotional intelligence, and coping strategies. There are all types of therapy interventions utilized with children. Among the many strategies utilized by children’s therapists, play therapy is one of the most common and beneficial children's therapy strategies.
While knowledge of child psychology is continually advancing, play therapy is a research-based tool for assisting children. Gary Landreth, Ed.D, LPC, RPT-S, founder and Director Emeritus of the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas, said it best, “Toys are children’s words and play is their language.” Children between the ages of three and eleven primarily benefit from play therapy due to the natural sense and comfort that arises when playing. Through this natural form of communication in a therapeutic environment children are empowered to heal, grow, and express emotions.
Play and art therapy are not about the result but about the journey and thoughts experienced within the process. Play therapy allows children to express thoughts and feelings in a safe environment and create new insights based on the activities they engage in. Games and toys become an outlet for children to release their emotions without becoming overwhelmed or upset by them. Emotions are more likely to arise in a safe and fun environment leading to better acceptance of personal thoughts and feelings.
Sessions of play therapy include the therapist observing children's actions, responses, and choices made throughout playing. Using this information, the therapist will gain insights into the experiences, emotional health, and common behaviors of the child. Toys are used by therapists as a metaphoric tool to gain information and understanding of a child's experiences in a non-verbal way. For example, a child chooses to play with animal figurines and represents themselves with a small defenseless animal like a baby deer, while choosing a large predator like a lion to represent a bully, family members, or overwhelming emotions.
Many parents and guardians may have the perception that play therapy is a waste of time and doubt its effectiveness due to the perception that “it’s just playing”. Play Therapy International found that 71% of children engaging in play therapy experience positive changes in behavior and a decrease in negative symptomatology. Parental involvement can enhance play therapy effectiveness for children by later applying principles at home to reinforce the process in other settings. Play therapy has been shown to result in improved communication, stress relief, self-awareness, coping skills, creative expression, social skills, self-esteem, trauma processing, problem-solving skills, and alleviation of behavioral problems. Using a child’s preferred and natural language of play, therapists have the unique ability to cultivate healing, growth, and resilience among children by utilizing play therapy techniques.
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