Have you ever been amazed by the complexity of your child’s play or by how it may mirror difficulties they are experiencing in their life? Children communicate through play and are best able to work through life difficulties in their natural language. Research has shown that directive and non-directive play therapy techniques are the most appropriate approach for children from ages three to twelve. Play therapy can be especially helpful for young children who do not yet have the verbal ability to express their feelings. Through the power of play and developing a trusting and collaborative relationship with their therapist, children are able to work through many of life’s difficulties and develop life changing skills. Play therapy can help children learn a variety of skills including coping and anger management skills as well as how to identify and express emotions. Family members can be involved in play therapy sessions directly or participate in separate family sessions to support skills developed and process difficulties.

For additional information about play therapy consult the website for the Association for Play Therapy (APT). APT has also produced two wonderful videos that describe why play therapy is the most appropriate technique for working with young children.

Play TherapyWorks

Andrew

https://youtu.be/IhFhfamS_uI?list=PLkcL9Y5Tc7Iy-QNzgNDlr0fwV_bGPoW2u