PLAY THERAPY
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of therapy that makes use of expressive techniques like play, art, music, and more to help children communicate their thoughts and feelings in a way they may not be capable of verbally.
It helps childrens make sense of their unique experiences and express themselves in an environment that is non-threatening and non-judgemental.
We encourage children to be creative and to use their imaginations to explore their feelings in a way that is comfortable and safe for them.
What Does A Play Therapy Session Look Like?
Sessions typically last between 40-50 minutes depending on the developmental age of the child. During the session children will have the opportunity to engage in various type of play with their therapist.
Most children tend to enjoy sessions as they are given the stage to act out their feelings and deep emotions, without worry of feeling unheard or misinterpreted.
The fun environment we create during a session often makes children comfortable to let their guard down, giving us the ability to work through complex issues in a way they will understand.
Common Issues Play Therapy Can Treat
Emotional Issues
Emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-worth are commony and successfully treated by play therapy.
Through play and other expressive activities, children will learn to cope with difficult emotions
Behavioral Issues
Aggression, defiance, or rule-breaking among others, are common behavioral issues children use as a defense mechanism. They revert to these behaviors when they struggle with difficult internal feelings, or feel unheard, scared, or alone.
Play therapy is effective at providing an outlet for their thoughts and emotions in a safe environment. But also for providing them skills like problem-solving, communication, and conflict resolution which can help them better manage their behavior.
Social Skills or Relationship Issues
Children who struggle with communication and social skills often have difficulty making new friends or getting along with siblings and other children. They may feel unheard by their peers, unwanted, or even alone.
Play therapy gives children the voice they need where they won’t be judged or silenced. Our therapists can help your child find their voice and give them the skills they need to interact in their daily relationships.
Situational or Environmental Issues
Big changes can be extremely difficult for children to process and adapt to. Things like moving, divorce, or the birth of a sibling will completely change a child's world and how they perceive their place in it.
Play therapy sessions will allow a child to explain their feelings in this new world in a way that they verbally are not be able to.
What Role Does The Parent or Guardian Play?
Parents play a crucial role in the success of play therapy for their child. Here are some tips for parents that can help your child get the most out of play therapy.
- Attend Sessions When Appropriate - In some cases, we may ask you to attend parts or the entirety of play therapy sessions. This is helpful for very nervous or timid children, but also for you to provide additional support where needed and better understand the process.
- Participate In Certain Activities - We may ask you to participate in certain activities during a session if your child requires more support or to help them feel more comfortable.
- Communicating With Our Therapists - The work done pre and post sessions is just as important as the work we doing during a play therapy session. Communicating on your child’s progress, concerns you have, or questions are vital. Open and honest communication will lead to more effective therapy
- Continuing Practice At Home - Adding onto point 3, we will also provide you with various skills and techniques that you in turn can use at home. This will further support the child’s progress.
Book Play Therapy in St. Albert Today
If you’ve been conernced about your child’s emotions or behavioural well-being our certified therapists are here for both you and your child.
We have many years of successful play therapy experience and we’re ready to provide your child with the safe and supportive space they need to express and better understand their feelings.
Don’t let emotional or behavoural struggles continue, contact us to learn more about how play therapy can work for your specific needs and goals, and take the first step towards supporting your childs development and well-being.
