The Benefits of Play Therapy for Child Development

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play to help children work through their problems. It can be used to help children who have experienced trauma, as well as those who are struggling with behavioral or emotional issues. Play therapists work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practice. The best age for play therapy is considered to be between 3 and 12 years old, but it can be effective for children of all ages. In fact, I worked with young people between the ages of 12-18 as a play therapist for 4 years and saw first hard the remarkable impact play therapy can have for adolescents. There’s a lot to be said about play therapy, let’s unpack it!

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses play to help children express themselves and work through their problems. It can be used to address a wide range of issues, including behavioral problems, social skills deficits, and emotional difficulties. Play therapy can be an effective treatment for children because it allows them to use their natural language - play - to express themselves. Through play, children can work through their feelings and problems in a safe and non-threatening environment. Play therapy can also help children build social skills, learn how to cope with stress, and develop positive self-esteem.

There are many different types of play therapy, but all approaches share the same goal: to help children feel better about themselves and their lives. If you are considering play therapy for your child, it is important to find a qualified therapist who has experience working with children. Play therapy is not a substitute for medical care, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat serious mental health problems. However, play therapy can be an important part of a child's overall treatment plan.

How and Who Does Play Therapy Help?

Play therapy can be used with children of all ages, but it is most commonly used with preschoolers and elementary school-aged children. Play therapy can help children in many different ways. It can help them to express their feelings, work through their problems, and improve their social skills. Play therapy can also help children to feel more comfortable in therapy and to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.

Play therapy can be beneficial for children who are experiencing a wide range of emotional difficulties. These difficulties might include things like anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, behavioural issues, and relationship problems. Play therapy can help children to understand and cope with their emotions, learn new skills, and develop healthier ways of relating to others.

If your child is struggling with any of these issues, play therapy could be a helpful way for them to work through their feelings and make positive changes in their lives. Play therapy is a safe and supportive environment where children can feel free to express themselves and work through their emotions.

Where Do Play Therapists Work?

Play therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, and private practices. They often work with children who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder or who are experiencing difficulties in their life, such as illness, trauma, divorce or the death of a loved one. Play therapy can also be used to help children cope with stress, anxiety, and trauma.

It is important to note that play therapists are not the same as child life specialists. While both professions work with children, play therapists have received specialised training in how to use play to help children heal emotionally. Play therapists are often required to complete a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. Many states also require play therapists to be licensed.

Types of Play Therapy

There are several different types of play therapy that can be used to help children. Some of the most common include:

Therapeutic Board Games: These are games that are specifically designed to help children work through their emotions and problems. They often involve cooperative play, which can help kids learn to resolve conflict and work together towards a common goal.

Art Therapy: This type of play therapy uses art as a way to help children express themselves. It can be used to help kids work through their emotions, and to explore new ways of thinking and problem-solving.

Music Therapy: This type of play therapy uses music to help children relax and express themselves. It can be used to help kids work through their emotions, and to explore new ways of thinking and problem-solving.

Sandplay Therapy: This type of play therapy uses sand and water to help children relax and express themselves. It can be used to help kids work through their emotions, and to explore new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Sandyplay therapy requires specific training for therapists to use with young people.

Play Therapy: This is a general term that can be used to describe any type of therapy that uses play as a way to help children. It can be used to help kids work through their emotions, and to explore new ways of thinking and problem-solving.

Play therapists use the power of play to help children heal from emotional trauma, learn new skills and cope with stress. Play therapy can be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health issues in children, including anxiety, depression, ADHD and autism. While play may seem like child's play, it is actually a very powerful tool that can help children to express themselves, work through their problems and develop new skills. Play therapy can be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health issues in children, including anxiety, depression, ADHD and autism.

If you're considering play therapy for your child, it's important to find a qualified practitioner who is experienced in working with children. Play therapists undergo extensive training in child development, psychology and counseling, and they use a variety of play therapy techniques to help children heal emotionally and cope with stress.

If you're looking for a qualified play therapist in your area, you can search the Association for Play Therapy website. If you have any experiences working with a play therapist then please let me know in the comments below 😊

Don’t forget to check out the many resources I have available to support positive mental health and wellbeing in kids and teens, Printable Resources.

Rosie 🌹

Mental Health Resources Available