Child & Play Therapy
“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.” – Virginia Axline
Play is the natural way children communicate their thoughts and feelings as well as explore the world or work out challenges. Developmentally, children do not have the cognitive capacity to engage in the type of verbal therapy used with adults and older adolescents. Toys, games, art and various child centered activities are used in play therapy to create an inviting environment that fosters creativity and play. It is also through the relationship and the safe accepting presence of the therapist that healing, changing patterns and gaining mastery occurs. Teens and adults can also benefit from Play Therapy to support their ability to be in the moment, make room for the imagination, and try on new roles or scenarios.
I am a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor through the Association for Play Therapy (APT). Play Therapy is defined by APT as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained Play Therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development." Please visit the Association for Play Therapy website to view various videos about play therapy, find additional resources and see specific requirements for a Registered Play Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor.
The list below is from the Association for Play Therapy website:
Play therapy helps children:
- Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
- Learn to experience and express emotion.
- Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.
- Learn new social skills and relational skills with family.
- Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness about their abilities
