When a child lashes out or has issues, he or she doesn’t have the cognitive ability to say, “Perhaps I need to see a therapist” the way an adult does. Not only that, but talk therapy is not the best mode for a child to get mental health support in the first place. That’s why there is play therapy.
Why Should You Choose This Therapy?:
According to the Association for Play Therapy, play therapy is the process in which “play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.” In layman’s terms, play therapy is a way of helping children resolve a number of issues using play as the vehicle for the therapist to address a number of issues. As an adult, you may wonder how could play operate as therapy, but the fact is: children learn, express and share so much in their play. Play should never be discounted, and always be embraced! In my humble opinion, children in the United States do not get enough time to move, play and be kids. Rest assured, if your child has issues, this therapy is a fabulous way to help your child cope. My ex and I sought a play therapist out for our child when we got a divorce, and the positive impact from play therapy was immense.
When to Find a Play Therapist:
There are numerous ways play therapy can help a child such as:
- Divorce or family dissolution
- Grief and loss
- Autism
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Physical or Learning Disabilities
- Anxiety & Depression
- And more!
How Do You Know It’s Time to Get a Therapist?:
If your child’s issue or issues is impacting his or her:
- Learning
- Social growth– issues making friends, hurting peers, isolating oneself or the subject of pervasive bullyinh
- Regression due to divorce, grief, abuse, etc.
- Excessive attachment to one or more caregivers due to anxiety or trauma.
And the most important reason:
As a parent, you feel there is something not quite right with your child OR, you know your child has a developmental or learning issue in which he or she could use some more support and tools.
Bottom line: play therapy will be so beneficial to your child and the whole family. I highly recommend!