Children often lack the verbal skills to communicate their emotions. Depending on age and stage of development, children simply don’t have the language skills of adults. They may be struggling, but in many cases, they can’t express it to an adult or don’t have a trusted adult to express it to. While it may look like an ordinary playtime, play therapy can be much more than that, play can help understand the struggles your child may be facing.
Children learn to understand the world and their place in it through play. It’s where they’re free to act out their inner feelings and deepest emotions without judgement. Toys can act as symbols and take on greater meaning — if you know what to look for. Since the child can’t adequately express themselves in the adult world, the therapist joins the child in their world, on their level.
As they play, the child may become less guarded and more apt to share their feelings. But they aren’t pressured. They’re allowed to do so in their own time and with their own method of communication.
When play therapy is used
Although people of all ages can benefit from play therapy, it’s typically used with children between the ages of 3 and 12. Play therapy may be helpful in a variety of circumstances, such as:
- facing medical procedures, chronic illness, or palliative care
- developmental delay or learning disabilities
- problem behaviors in school or at home
- aggressive or angry behavior
- family issues, like divorce, separation, or death of a close family member
- natural disasters or traumatic events
- domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
- anxiety, depression, grief
- eating and toileting disorders
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
While some children might start off with some hesitation, trust in the therapist tends to grow. As they become more comfortable and their bond strengthens, the child may become more creative or more verbal in their play.
Some of the potential benefits of play therapy are:
- taking more responsibility for certain behaviors
- developing coping strategies and creative problem-solving skills
- self-respect
- empathy and respect for others
- alleviation of anxiety
- learning to fully experience and express feelings
- stronger social skills
- stronger family relationships
- building confidence
Play therapy can also encourage use of language or improve fine and gross motor skills.
Much can be revealed in how a child interacts with different types of toys and how their behavior changes from session to session. They may use play to act out fears and anxieties, as a soothing mechanism, or to heal and problem-solve. Play therapists use these observations as a guide to the next steps. Each child is different, so therapy will be tailored to their individual needs. As therapy progresses, behaviors and goals can be reassessed