Play Therapy
What is play therapy? How does it work? What will a typical session look like? What age is appropriate for play therapy? How should I explain play therapy to my child?
These are some of the many questions that I am often asked and today I want to take the opportunity to provide you with a little bit more information and answer these questions!
What age is appropriate for play therapy?
Play therapy is for children aged 3-12! After that age I offer both traditional talk therapy as well as art therapy.
How should I explain plat therapy to my child?
This question will depend on the child’s age but I encourage you to be open and honest and age appropriate.
For our smallest humans, be brief, specific, and open. Something simple like - “we are going to see a play therapist! You will meet a new friend that is safe in a safe space to play and explore some feelings! This is a special play time just for you.”. “I met Michelle at her office last week and her office is filled with art supplies and toys, it looks a lot of fun. You will get to play and explore the way you want to and I will wait for you in the waiting room.” If the child has any questions, remember to be open! If they ask why they are going you can say something like “well, sometimes it’s helpful to have a special place to play and explore in a way that you want and to explore some feelings.”
As your child gets closer to being 12, and becoming more mature you have the opportunity to explain therapy in a more mature way. Therapy is a place that is private and safe, a place where you can explore and express what it is that you need to.
If your child is anxious about coming to meet me, you can reassure them that I am a safe person and parents are welcome to stay in session if that helps make the child feel more safe (especially in the first session). Above all else we want to ensure that the child feels comfortable in session!
What is play therapy, how does it work and what does a typical session look like?
Conventional thought is largely verbal based, calling upon language, logic, and reasoning. In contrast, we use imagination, intuition, and feeling to create art and play. In terms of human development, the mind of a child is not as “language or logic-oriented” as the mind of an adult. Instead, children move very freely in the realm of images, imagination, and play. Play therapy is therefore a very natural way of working with children.
Regarding play therapy, I am trained in child centered play which was developed by Gary Landreth. The focus in child centered play therapy is on providing a safe environment to explore and express what they need to through their play. It is through the safe, accepting, and empathic therapeutic relationship that a child is able to utilize the therapy space and the play materials to move towards positive growth. I trust my child clients that they know where they need to go within their therapeutic experience and what they need to explore and express. Through the child’s play we are able to explore the way that they see and experience the world in order to better understand that child’s behaviour and emotions. My focus is on the child and building a therapeutic relationship with that child rather than focusing on a presenting problem. Problematic behaviours or maladjustment, is not a representation of the child but an attempt to be seen, heard, and accepted.
Our sessions happen in my office where I have carefully selected toys and materials to allow my clients to express a wide range of experiences and feelings. The child decides and takes the lead in play and interaction while I facilitate their exploration and empathically respond to their worldview. Goals are not a focus of my sessions as I believe that children are people to be understood rather than people that need to be fixed or changed. It is the relationship and environment that promotes personal growth leading to healthy functioning. Significant research supports these ideas.
Overall, I truly believe that it is through an accepting and genuine therapeutic relationship that children can experience positive growth and healthier functioning. It is also important to note that my work with children does not stop with the child. Part of my job is to also work with parents and/or guardians and it is important that I provide you with updates, suggestions, and tools to best support your child. My job is not only to support your child but also advocate for them and ensure they are being supported in the way that they need to be.
My office is ready for you with all the toys, paint, and even glitter! If you feel your child or yourself (I also offer parenting support) needs support please feel free to reach out
