It may seem obvious that psychotherapy with children relies on play, art, and movement. Falling back on that old therapy cliché How does that make you feel? just doesn’t cut it for kids—or most adults! But what does it look like? And how does it work?
Below, I answer some questions about the process of play therapy.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy with children that works through the primary way kids communicate and learn: play! A play therapist pays attention to and supports a child’s imaginative explorations. At the same time, the therapist is keeping her ears open to what may be going on under the surface. With the therapist’s support and careful interventions, the child works through difficult feelings and behaviors.
There are many different approaches to play therapy. Some are completely child-directed, such as child-centered play therapy. Others, such as cognitive behavioral play therapy, are more structured. Theraplay, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), and filial therapy all include parents in sessions. Some family therapists offer play-based methods. Many play therapists are registered with the Association for Play Therapy.
My approach
My approach focuses on a child’s natural tendency towards growth within a supportive and empathic therapeutic relationship. Combine the right conditions, such as acceptance, a nonjudgmental attitude, and warmth, with a robust space to play and create, and children will begin to move in a positive, developmentally appropriate directions.
I may sometimes choose an activity or a particular toy to highlight if I believe it will be helpful. Important relationships in the child’s life inform how I interpret play and behavior. I also think about ways the child and family may be coping with difficulties, and whether these ways of coping are helping or hindering growth.
How is play therapy different from simply playing?
Writing about how play therapy works feels a bit like writing about magic, with the therapist as a mysterious figure providing the right mystical conditions for change. Amazing things can happen—but how?
There are three key, necessary (non-mystical!) conditions to play therapy, conditions that converge in a trained play therapist’s office:
- A nonjudgmental, accepting, trained clinician who maintains clear boundaries and pays attention to play themes and how to address them in the moment and over time
- Play space with toys and art supplies that allow for rich symbolic play and expression
- At least one parent or caregiver that is ready to collaborate and think with their child’s therapist about how best to support the child.
OK. But how does play therapy help?
A play therapist “holds” a lot for children and their families. Some behaviors, emotions, or disturbing fantasies and/or experiences are really hard for parents to take in. Kids can say or do scary or frustrating things. In these situations, it is natural for parents to react. In therapy, a child has a nonjudgmental space to process those potentially overwhelming feelings, thoughts, and experiences, with an empathic professional to observe and guide the child and family. The play therapist is nonreactive, curious, and observant without being intrusive. She knows when to intervene and when to let things be. This helps a child to express and work through anxiety, fear, and trauma, among other issues. In addition, a play therapist can translate the meaning of the play into something helpful for parents and provide suggestions on how to support the child at home and at school.
Do you think your child would benefit from play therapy?
Interested in learning more or want to schedule an initial consultation? I have limited space for child therapy. Use my secure contact form or email me directly. My online portal shows my current openings, most of which are before 3pm. You can also schedule an appointment via the portal.
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