PLAY THERAPY
What is play therapy?
Play therapy helps children with behavioral, social and emotional problems learn how to help themselves. Children are given an opportunity to play out their feelings and problems with a therapeutic objective. Since play is the natural language of children, they respond greatly to play therapy. Play and creative arts are used to provide children with coping strategies, expression and problem-solving skills. The play therapy sessions are based on accredited training and continuous supervision given by PTUK/PTI. AutPlay Therapy, a neurodiversity affirming framework, is also available.
Who is it for?
Play therapy is suitable for children ages 4-12 years old who have behavioral, social and emotional challenges. These challenges include: sadness, anxiety, bullying, low self-esteem, anger issues, grief, divorce, ADHD, autism, poor academic performance, developmental delays and trauma.
What is expected from parents?
12 sessions are agreed upon in the beginning. The sessions are once per week for 40 minutes. A review meeting with the parents is set up after every 5-6 sessions. The child is given autonomy over what is shared with the parents during those meetings. If your child does not wish to share what they did during sessions, please respect their wishes. Support your children by allowing them to come to the sessions as their authentic selves without asking them to show “good” behavior in sessions.
What happens in the sessions?
The child selects an item from the therapeutic toolkit, which includes: art and crafting materials, clay, dressing-up costumes and role play props, musical instruments, sand, puppets, miniature figures, games and construction toys. The play therapist follows the child’s lead and reflects by mirroring the emotions and the energy of the child. The play therapist may create and offer therapeutic activities with the goal to support the child’s process and sets necessary boundaries to provide a safe environment.
