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~ Children's Play Therapy ~
What is Play Therapy ???
Play therapy is a
special process that focuses on children's need to express
their emotional upset through the use of creative play. In
this process a wide variety of toys are made available to
children to encourage the expression of emotional concerns.
Children are given the opportunity to express themselves
through a variety of styles including art play, sand play,
dramatic play and fantasy play.
Why Play Therapy for children ??
Children like to play. Children are unable to understand and
talk about their feelings the way adults do. Play becomes
therapeutic to children as they give expression to their
experiences and emotions. Children can recreate in play
their anger, fears, sadness or frustrations currently
influencing their behavior. A benefit of play therapy is
that children can create therapeutic play at their own
developmental level. The relationship with the therapist
provides the children with a sense of security, enabling
them to recreate emotionally stressful experiences.
What happens in Play Therapy ???
Through the play
therapy process, children communicate experiences that are
affecting their current level of functioning. Beginning with
this expression, the children’s play evolves until they gain
a sense of understanding and comfort over a given situation
or emotional upset.
Is play different in play therapy when my
child plays at home ???
The basic
function of play remains the same in both situations. Play
to children is their work; it is the natural way they
rehearse for life's interactions. The basis of play is three
fold. The first two are for cognitive and motor development.
The third is for emotional resolution. When facilitated by a
trained play therapist, the play becomes focused on
emotional responses, leading to understanding and
re-establishing the balance in the child's sense of
well-being.
How can play therapy help my child ??
Through the
play therapy process, children change their personal view of
events in the world and begin to build on their interactions
with others. As children recreate their frustrations or
disappointments in their play, they begin to build a solid
base to deal with their emotional upset. This leads to
higher self-esteem and social competence in activities with
family, friends and peers.
How will I be involved as a parent ???
Parent
involvement is important in the play therapy process.
Parents will be asked to meet with the therapist on a
regular basis. A parent may become involved in the therapy
by joining the play process. Parents also will be asked to
contribute to their child's progress by following
recommendations of the therapist.
How long will play therapy take ???
Play
therapy is a process that takes into account several factors
in the length of treatment. The developmental stage of the
child and their current diagnosis are the two most important
factors in determining time. The therapist will discuss this
at the time of the assessment.
Smiles,
Nancy
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