Below are some frequently asked questions about play therapy:
1. What is play therapy?
Play
therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. Play therapy utilizes play, children's natural medium of expression,
to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words. It is the most appropriate method of
treatment for children who are having difficulties coping with life situations. Children might not always be able to
express themselves with words, but they are fluent in the language of play. This allows them to express themselves in
the way in which they are most comfortable.
2. What is the difference between play therapy and playing with my child at home?
Play therapists are specifically trained to provide an environment of acceptance, empathy, and understanding in the play room.
Play therapy uses the child's natural tendency to "play out" their reactions to life situations. They
might not be able to "play out" their reactions at home. This interaction with a trained play therapist allows
for freedom of emotional expression in children as they move through their issues.
3. What toys are in the playroom and why?
Toys are carefully selected for the playroom to facilitate creative
and emotional expression from children. The types of toys used can be played with in many ways and therefore allow for
decision-making in children. The therapist is trained in how to work with the child as he/she chooses and plays with
the toys to help the child work through the issues he/she may be having.
Feel free to call the Center with
any additional questions
.
