– for children
Most children don’t have the required complex language skills to fully verbalize their problems. Instead, they can express themselves through play.
What is Play Therapy?
A play therapist is a trained and licensed mental health professional. A trained play therapist observes their play, then mirrors their experiences with words, using the therapeutic powers of play to help children prevent or resolve difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.
In place of words, children can use specially chosen toys to convey their feelings. Play not only allows for expression but also builds the mastery of skills needed for successful relationships.
Adult therapy patients can tell their personal stories over and over with a therapist as a way to process significant experiences. Children may do the same by replaying a particular theme until they have reached resolution.
Play therapy benefits children of all ages. Their caretakers, as well as our community at large, also benefit when our childrens’ emotional needs are better met.