Play therapy is a powerful tool for change as well as the most age-appropriate modality for children under age 10 developmentally. This is because play is the first language of all people, and children use play to examine themselves, the world around them, and their role within this world.
Children are not just little adults, and play is the bridge between the two. Play unleashes many thoughts and feelings that would remain hidden if relying upon words, and also unleashes more truth. Often, children just tend to say what they think others want to hear, so they can move on and return to play.
By joining in children’s play, we are offered a more sincere window into their world and what may be bothering them. Play also relies heavily upon projection and make-believe, allowing children’s internal avoidance and other defense mechanisms to be less of an interference. As a registered play therapist with the national professional society known as The Association for Play Therapy, I have extensive training and experience in identifying themes and interpreting meaning in child’s play, as well as offering alternatives and solutions.
Child-centered play therapy is the form of play therapy that I use most. It is non-directive and replies upon the well-tested theory that children will guide you into their internal world and conflict if given the time, respect, and careful attention of a play therapist.
Child-centered play therapy also increases self-confidence, fosters independence and builds mastery skills by permitting a child self-determination and allowing him/her bring about his/her own solutions. Play therapy can be easily combined with other modalities, including sandtray and EMDR, and play therapy does not mean that there is no talking!