"Play
therapy is a dynamic interpersonal relationship between a child and a therapist
trained in play therapy procedures who provides selected play materials and
facilitates the development of a safe relationship for the child to fully
express and explore self (feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviors)
through play, the child's natural medium of communication, for optimal growth
and development.
- Dr. Garry Landreth, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship
APT Link to
"About Play Therapy"
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy
provides a therapeutic counseling setting where spontaneous, experiential,
creative activity provides a forum during sessions to promote self expression,
change and healing. The clients are usually children; however,
adolescents and adults can, and do, benefit from play therapy as
well. People of all ages express themselves both verbally and
non-verbally. In play therapy, the client selects toys (and in some
modalities animals) for self reflections and exploration of personal growth
issues. Through play, the client represents and processes their own
unique inner world and the dissonance with the larger world. Therapeutic play
includes, but is not limited to, activities such as drawing, using puppets, and
dramatic or fantasy activities. The play therapist facilitates this experience
by creating a safe and accepting environment for the client.
Who
Benefits?
Play
therapy is helpful for children in a wide range of situations. For example,
children and adolescents who are coping with parental conflict, divorce, or who
have witnessed domestic violence, can benefit from play therapy. Also, children
who have experienced loss, such as illness or death of a loved one, or who have
been traumatized by abuse, disasters or serious accidents may also find play
therapy helpful. In play therapy, a child’s anxiety about a traumatic event can
be reduced, feelings are expressed, trust in self and others increases, and a
sense of competence is enhanced. Adults benefit by using a
non-verbal form of expression, adding fun and spontaneity and previous stages
of development to their sessions.
Who
Uses Play Therapy?
Play therapy can be used by anyone who is professionally trained in this
modality to conduct therapeutic counseling.
