Play Therapy
As adults, when we feel emotions we are often able to use our words to express to others how we feel. However for children that is often not the case leading to frustration, outward behaviors, fear, and sadness.
In play therapy, the worlds universal language of play is utilized to assist children in expressing their emotions in a safe and non-judgmental environment that promotes developmental growth and resolution to underlying conflict. The familiarity of play allows children to express themselves while learning adaptive coping skills to assist with their emotions, appropriate boundaries, and problem solving skills.
The play in this modality of therapy can look very different from child to child based on their individual needs but can utilize toys, expressive arts, board games, sand tray, and books to assist children in expressing themselves and their emotions.
Play therapy might be beneficial to your child if they are experiencing the following:
Academic Difficulties
Aggressive Behaviors
Anger
Anxiety
Defiant Behaviors
Depression
Difficulty Sleeping
Difficulty with transitions
Grief
Lack of social skills
Low Frustration Tolerance
Low Self-Esteem
Parental Divorce
Perfectionism
Psychical pain that is not better explained by a medical diagnosis
Regression
Sexualized Behaviors
Trauma
Trouble making friends
Trouble staying on task