Who Can Benefit From Play Therapy?
Play therapy is especially beneficial for children aged 3-12, however the use of play in therapy can be beneficial to individuals at a variety of developmental stages.
What is Play Therapy?
The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."
Play therapy uses play in a therapeutic way to resolve behavioral and emotional challenges.
Why is Play Therapy Helpful?
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It uses child’s natural language of play
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Therapist can use play to communicate with child and teach new skills
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Play is naturally used by children to learn and master new skills as well as resolve conflicts
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Play serves as a metaphor for a child’s life
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Play Therapy allows new information and skills to be taken in more readily.
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Play therapy promotes self-efficacy and enhances self-esteem.