Play therapy is a form of psychological treatment that can involve playing with toys, role-playing, and games. Therapists observe someone during play to gain insights about their behavior. https://georgetownsuncryo.com/
19th May 2024
Play therapy can be useful for treating mental health conditions or behavioral disorders. It can also be a support tool for those with developmental differences, such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Although play therapists primarily work with children, they sometimes use this treatment to engage with adolescents and adults as well.
A variety of licensed professionals practice play therapy. These may include social workers, counselors, and psychologists. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of play therapy for children and adults.
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is a tool that originally comes from the field of psychotherapy, or talk therapy. It involves a trained therapist observing a client while they play and following their lead as they do.
The approach is based on the idea that children communicate unconsciously through play. This means they reveal things about themselves without realizing they are doing it.
It is through play that children learn how to interact with the world and develop skills. As such, it is a natural means of self-expression for them.
During play, a child may either directly or symbolically act out their feelings, allowing a therapist to gain insight into their emotional state. Playing together provides a safe environment for this to happen, allowing people to express things they might otherwise find difficult.
Participating in a shared activity also fosters trust between the therapist and the client, creating a therapeutic relationship. This can be especially useful for children, who may feel distrustful of strangers.
Play Therapy International (PTI) reports that up to 71% of children who undergo play therapy show a benefit. Sessions usually last 30–45 minutes.
