“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is the serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” -Fred Rogers

With Play Therapy, the focus is on the child, not the problem. Play is a child’s natural language and toys are the child’s words. Play Therapy can help your child communicate their experiences, reactions, perceptions and feelings.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy helps children to address and resolve their own problems and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts ego (Landreth, 2002).

APT defines play therapy as the “systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”

What does Play Therapy help?

Play therapy helps children:

• Become more responsible for their behaviors and develop more successful strategies
• Develop new and creative solutions to problems
• Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
• Learn to experience and express emotion
• Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others
• Learn new social skills and relational skills with family
• Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities

Play therapy aims to help a child’s growth and development. The practice of play therapy requires extensive, specialized education, training and experience. With my knowledge and background, I am confident that you and I can set your child up for success.

If you’re interested in learning more about play therapy and how it can help your child grow, contact me today for a free consultation.