Play therapy is a form of counselling technique that is used when dealing with children. Children may or may not be able to process their emotions and even if they do, they would find it difficult to express.
To people outside and the parents it may look like some play time, but it definitely more than that.
This is a method that enables the therapist understand what the child is going through and what could be causing this dissonance in the child. The stress that the child is going through can be explored through various techniques. It is appropriate to use when children have experienced grief, trauma, sudden changes that the family has made, a serious illness to a loved one. It is also proven useful for children who face challenges with academics and social problems. This form of therapy is widely used for children that are in the autistic spectrum.
There are two forms of play therapy which is called Non-directive Play Therapy and Directive Play Therapy. Don’t worry, it is simple to understand. Non – directive play therapy is where the play therapist allows the child to take the session in the way the child wants. Whereas, directive play therapy is one where the play therapist takes the lead and has an agenda to accomplish through the session.
There are various techniques that a play therapist can use – sand tray, art, toys, nature, puppet presentations, story books coupled with play and many more.
This therapy has an amazing way of actualizing each person’s inner potential, spring up one’s inner curiosities and the desire to become more effective and autonomous. It also has the ability to bring in warmth and significance. With this form of therapy, they are able to build real and safe relationships. It starts first with the relationship that the therapist has with the child. This therapy also helps to understand the child’s thoughts, perception and beliefs which come to life in the way the child is most comfortable to communicate.
It is imperative for parents of children who are facing distress and difficulty to take help of play therapists and counsellors. It will help the child to communicate freely through the various forms of play.
Now you ask, what's play got to do with it?
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