Play Therapy

Play Therapy | Child Therapy | Theraplay | Counseling | Grand Junction | Fruita | Colorado

As a Registered Play Therapist I believe play therapy makes a difference. Play is an enjoyable, fun activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom and, most importantly, helps us express ourselves. To learn more about play therapy and Theraplay services please read below.

Parent Handout on Play Therapy

What is Play Therapy?

Play is the primary language of children. During play therapy, children create play that resembles the difficult or traumatic experiences they are struggling with internally. When facilitated by a trained play therapist, the play becomes focused on the purposes of emotional healing. This leads to a reduction of symptoms (i.e. acting out and aggressive behaviors, somatic complaints, withdrawal or regression, etc.) and the reestablishment of balance in the child’s sense of well-being.

Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. Play therapy utilizes play, children’s natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words.

Association for Play Therapy (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.”

“Play is the work of the child.”
– Montessori

What happens in Play Therapy?

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

Through the play therapy process children create play that resembles the emotional experiences they are struggling with internally. These experiences usually cannot be expressed verbally. Children will select special toys to include in their play and use those toys to recreate issues that represent emotional conflicts that are important to the child. Beginning with this expression, the child’s play evolves until the child gains a sense of understanding and comfort over this situation. Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children experiencing: PTSD, behavioral issues, depression, impulsivity, self-esteem issues, academic difficulties, parent-child relationship struggles, social issues, anxiety, loss, divorce/separation, abuse and more… * Copyright 1998 Byron or Carol Norton (Synergetic Play Therapy)

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.

What are the benefits of Play Therapy?

According to the professional organization Play Therapy International, up to 71 percent of children referred to play therapy may experience positive change.

While some children might start off with some hesitation, trust in the therapist tends to grow. As they become more comfortable and their bond strengthens, the child may become more creative or more verbal in their play.

Some of the potential benefits of play therapy are:

• taking more responsibility for certain behaviors

• developing coping strategies and creative problem-solving skills

• self-respect

• empathy and respect for others

• alleviation of anxiety

• learning to fully experience and express feelings

• stronger social skills

• stronger family relationships

Play therapy can also encourage use of language or improve fine and gross motor skills.

Introduction to Play Therapy for Parents:

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.