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(Association for Play Therapy).
What this really means:
Children NEED to play. It is developmentally unreasonable and inappropriate to expect children to be able to accurately “talk about their problems” in the same ways that adults can. Expecting children to verbally communicate says that we expect them to come to our adult level and use words, rather than going to their level where they feel most comfortable and authentic. Their developing brains undergo many different changes and growth, and they have not quite developed the skills of abstract thinking and reasoning along with language and higher-level thinking that some caregivers may expect them to have. However, children can “play about their problems.” Because of this, play therapy is symbolic. This form of work often utilizes “themes” and “metaphors” rather than sitting your child down and “getting them to talk.” Play is the work of the child and the language of the child, where they can solve problems, regulate, and learn about themselves along with other benefits. Play therapy is evidence-based and can be used with children, teens, and even adults and families.
“But you’re just playing…”
Play therapy offers a safe place for your child to just BE. Your play therapist likely has no expectations or judgments toward your child during their sessions, and they will always have a positive regard for your child. This allows your child to feel safe and fully accepted no matter what. Your therapist gives your child the freedom to express what they feel comfortable expressing without the stressful pressures that they may be experiencing outside of the therapy room. There is no judgment, no shame, no chores, no homework, etc. Children can accomplish things through play. For adults, this may be hard to understand, but for children, this is their work, their safe place, their coping, their learning, and more. For them, walking into play therapy is similar to an adult going home at the end of the day, kicking their shoes off, and sitting down to relax and process. It’s also a place to problem solve. Often, with life’s busy schedules, kids do not get this time as much as they might need.
Why Play?
Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning and experiencing in life. Naturally occurring play is important for physical and motor development, social and emotional development, and intellectual and cognitive development. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is also important for healthy brain development and helps strengthen neural pathways in the brain. Playfulness enhances children’s motivation to learn. Play helps children enact scenarios where they work to make decisions, solve problems, and learn from their environment. Children use play as a symbolic representation of what their brains are processing. In this, they have opportunities to work out problems and find ways to cope with things that are “on their mind.” Even adults use metaphor and symbolism to better explain things at times. Children can show through toys what they are experiencing more adequately than through words. Children communicate through play, and they express what they want to do and what they can do. They are allowed to be independent and release different feelings and attitudes they may be holding in through play. Play is also beneficial in bonding, and “people who play together often prefer to stay together.” Play allows children to make stronger connections and attachments, and healthy attachments allow children to explore the world on their own terms while being able to return to the security of their attachment relationship. Play is natural and reaches more parts of the brain. Play is a right of childhood.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Encourages open and voluntary (non-forced) communication
Builds trust and mastery
Fosters learning and acceptable behaviors
Regulates emotions
Reduces stress
Provides opportunity for responsibility
Promotes creative problem-solving
Elevates spirit and self-esteem
Meets physical activity needs (children are not expected to sit still)
Allows child to feel seen, heard, and understood
Puts words to their experience that they may not have yet
Understanding and accepting the child’s world