on October 8, 2020
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O’Connor & Schaefer, 1983).
Young children’s language formations lags behind their cognitive development. During pre-primary and formative primary school years they, therefore, communicate their awareness of what is happening in their world through their play. In play therapy toys are viewed as the child’s words and play as the child’s language–a language of activity. Play therapy, then, is to children what counseling or psychotherapy is to adults.
In play therapy the symbolic function of play is what is so important, providing children with a means of expressing their inner world. Emotionally significant experiences can be expressed more comfortably and safely through the symbolic representation the toys provide. (Landreth and Bratton, 1999)
Why play therapy?
Over the years a growing number of mental health professionals have observed that play is as important to human happiness and well-being as love and work (Schaefer, 1993). Landreth (2002) argues that play is a fun, enjoyable activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. In the therapeutic setting, play expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization, and self-efficacy. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego.
Given the opportunity – in a safe and facilitated environment, children will play out their feelings and needs in a manner or process of expression that is similar to that for adults. Although the dynamics of expression and the vehicle for communication are different for children, the expressions (fear, satisfaction, anger, happiness, frustration, contentment) are similar to those of adults.
Children who may have considerable difficulty trying to tell what they feel or how their experiences have affected them benefit tremendously through play. In the presence of a caring, sensitive, and empathetic adult, they will reveal inner feelings through the toys and materials they choose, what they do with and to the materials, and the stories they act out (Landreth and Bratton, 1999). Play therapy is particularly beneficial to children who have suffered trauma as it is a supportive guide for them to externalise instead of internalise it. Play therapy has long-term effects on a child’s coping mechanisms, behaviour and overall functioning.
In summary, play therapy provides a therapeutic intervention to children, acting as an aid of communication to express their feelings and process the associated thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and beliefs; especially in children who are unable to communicate their feelings, either due to trauma, cognitive abilities or their own emotional process of establishing trust.
Where Kylie-Rae comes in
Kylie-Rae, the Connect Group’s child and adolescent therapist believes that children best express themselves when engaging with resources that feel familiar and comfortable, such as toys and art supplies. When engaging with play therapy techniques, she explains that “children are able to say a million words with toys, games or even art – we just need to know how to listen”.
The approach Kylie-Rae likes to take when working with children is allowing the child to take the lead, while simply observing and facilitating the play. This approach allows for children of all ages and stages to express themselves in whatever way and whatever pace feels natural to them. Play therapy techniques are most beneficial for children aged 4 and upwards, following the child in their own frame of development.
Play therapy, therefore, provides a creative approach to healing and building resilience in children, particularly with children who are having challenges such as;
- Bereavement
- Parental conflict – separation, divorce
- sexual assault and trauma
- Family dynamics – the addition of family members (step-parents, adoption, foster care)
- Children’s court assessment-related matters (separation, abuse, foster care, adoption)
- Self-esteem/identify formation
- Anger management/ behavior modification
- Challenges at school (bullying, identify formation, adjustment)
- Emotional regulation and adjustment in light of COVID-19
Kylie-Rae is a passionate, energetic and fun child therapist who believes in the power of play therapy techniques. Through her experience she has seen children tell entire stories an process their trauma through play and art. She firmly believes that “therapy can be fun and powerful at the same time, and child therapy can help build healthy, resilient children who are able to reach their full potential”.
References:
Landreth, L & Bratton, S. (1999). Play therapy. Eric Digest, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement.
Lilly, JP., O’Connor, K., Krull, T. Play therapy makes a difference. Oregon State University.
Written by Kylie-Rae Haupt and Caley Wildman