Play Therapy
Every parent deserves support and guidance.
Why Play Therapy?
If you’ve ever tried to talk with your child about their feelings, regardless of their age, they probably rolled their eyes, said “I don’t know” to all of your questions, or simply ignored you. Talking about feelings tends to feel uncomfortable or even anxiety provoking for children. It also tends to be ineffective as children often lack the ability to put complex, messy feelings into words.
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This is where psychodynamic and relational play therapy, which allows children to work through difficult emotions without feeling awkward or uncomfortable, comes in. In fact, many children tend to enjoy coming to play therapy and find that they can bring all parts of themselves, including their trickier emotions.
How does it work?
Play therapy involves the child and therapist developing a relationship in which the child feels safe, understood, and cared for by the therapist. This is done by the therapist getting to know the child, learning about the child’s interests, playing games together, and having fun. As a trusting relationship is formed, children begin to reveal their inner struggles through the symbols of play. For example, a child whose parents are getting divorced might want to play with the dollhouse and show the mommy and daddy fighting.
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The Evaluation Process
The first step in beginning play therapy is for the parents or guardians to meet with the therapist without the child present, usually for a couple of sessions. These sessions allow the parents and therapist to begin developing a collaborative relationship focused on supporting the child, and for the therapist to collect more background information.
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After the therapist meets with the parents, a session will be set up for the therapist and child to meet. Generally, the therapist meets with the child alone, but for the first couple of sessions, the child may feel more comfortable with a parent there. It is expected that over time, the child will develop a connection with the therapist, and will be able to express their emotions either verbally or symbolically through play.
After about three sessions, the therapist will meet with the parents again to provide feedback and impressions of the child, and to ask additional questions. During this meeting, the therapist and parents will decide if play therapy is the best fit for the child’s needs, or if a different therapy would be recommended.
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Eventually, the therapist is able to develop an understanding of how the child is feeling, and address these feelings compassionately. This process helps children to “digest” very complex emotions such as fear, anger, and sadness. Once a feeling has been digested, it no longer has to take up prime real estate in our minds, hearts and bodies. We become free to pursue our fullest potential (and free to just be a kid!).
What is the Role of Parents in Play Therapy?
After the parents meet with the therapist to complete the evaluation process, they generally will not participate in weekly sessions, although this will depend on the specific needs of each child. The therapist will ask to meet with parents approximately once every 4-6 weeks to provide feedback about the child’s progress, and to hear about how the child has been doing in between therapy sessions.
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* Parents who feel they are struggling in their role as parents may be interested in participating in regular Parent Guidance. You can learn more about Parent Guidance by clicking here.
For additional information about Play Therapy, please visit the Association for Play Therapy at https://www.a4pt.org/page/PTMakesADifference