What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a term that describes a number of different kinds of treatment methods, all helping young children communicate with the therapist and resolve issues. Through this therapy, children learn to express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others.
“Play is the language of children. In play therapy the toys are the words, and the play activity is the conversation”
Heather Maritano, LCSW, RPT-S
This type of therapy is not just talking to children while they engage with toys or a game. Certified play therapists use very specific techniques designed to create the setting where children can act out their worries, fears, concerns and relationships through therapeutic toys and other equipment. A therapist chooses specific toys to therapeutically guide the play with a child. The therapist can then help the child resolve problematic relationships, disruptive behavior, anger, sadness, anxiety and fears.
“Introducing Andrew -This isn’t how kids communicate” – Association for Play Therapy.