What is play therapy?

I get asked a lot, what is play therapy? It sounds like I send my kiddo to this person to play with for an hour. My answer is, well kind of! I think over the years we’ve learned the incredible benefits of play. Play is literally part of curriculum for children at school. It’s no different in therapy! Kids learn through play. Play therapy, and more specifically, a play therapist is trained in therapeutic play! Play therapy is incredibly helpful for children because it allows them to express themselves in a way that feels natural and comfortable. Through play, children can communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even when they might not have the words to express them verbally. Here are some specific ways in which play therapy is beneficial:

1.     Emotional expression: Children may find it challenging to express their emotions directly through words. Play therapy provides them with toys, games, and activities through which they can express their feelings indirectly. This can help therapists gain insight into the child's inner world and emotions.

2.     Communication: Play therapy can improve a child's communication skills. As they engage in play, therapists can observe how they interact with toys and peers, allowing them to identify communication patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement.

3.     Problem-solving skills: Through play, children can explore different scenarios and practice problem-solving skills. This can help them develop coping strategies and learn to navigate challenges they encounter in their lives.

4.     Building trust: Play therapy provides a safe and nonjudgmental environment where children can build trust with their therapist. This trust is essential for effective therapy, as it allows children to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

5.     Behavioral issues: Play therapy can be particularly helpful for children struggling with behavioral issues. By allowing them to express themselves through play, therapists can help identify underlying issues contributing to the behavior and work with the child to develop healthier coping mechanisms.

6.     Trauma processing: For children who have experienced trauma, play therapy can be a crucial tool for processing their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Through play, children can revisit and make sense of traumatic events at their own pace, with the guidance of a trained play therapist.

 So, how do I know if my kid needs play therapy? Reach out to one of our play therapists at Pineapple Counseling in Flower Mound, TX and Southlake, TX. We offer a free 30 minute phone consultation with a therapist to discuss your needs and they’ll be able to offer direction.