Why Play?
Play is the universal language of self-expression and the playing out of ones ideas, thoughts and feelings. Through play we are able to express ourselves when words are challenging to find.
Play is an evidence-based intervention used by trained play therapists to support young people in addressing such challenges as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity, autism spectrum, oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, anger management, crisis and trauma, grief and loss, divorce and family dissolution, academic and social developmental, and physical and learning disabilities.
Research in neurobiology has shown that through play there is an active release of hormones that are responsible for feelings of joy, happiness and love. It can also be one of the quickest methods to the regulation of the mind and body.
Children learn through play. When one can express themselves through play, their ability to give meaning with words can follow. Play Therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment approach most beneficial to children between the ages of 3 and 12 years of age. Play therapy helps promote self-discovery and empowerment in navigating challenges. Play therapy can help children heal from past distressing or traumatic experiences, allow the expression of feelings and emotions, develop critical thinking skills and decision making skills, allow own thoughts and ideas to emerge, facilitate the sharing of challenges and concerns, promote perspective taking and develop new adaptive ways to think or behave.
How Can I Be Involved in Play Therapy?
Parents, guardians and caregivers are integral in the healing and change process. You know your family best! Working together can create lasting and meaningful change within your family system, for your child and for yourself.
Therapists will consider each family’s unique needs to determine when to involve others in the play therapy. This could include the whole family, certain family members or a parent. Open communication with caregivers on a regular basis will occur in order to create meaningful goals, monitor progress and find solutions to difficulties that may arise.
What To Expect?
Once a referral has been made an intake assessment will be arranged with you. This is an opportunity for you to share what the challenges have been and how day-to-day life has been impacted. Your hopes and wishes will be determined along with appropriate goals. Sessions will then be scheduled for the therapist and the child/teen to meet one on one.
