6 Methods of a Children’s Play Therapist

The main advantage of play therapy is providing a safe outlet for children to express themselves. Therapists use many different methods, depending on the child’s needs, and all are geared to specific topics. Playing out using these techniques encourages the child to communicate, regulate their emotions, problem solve, and provide a safe way to process experiences. Here are some methods that a children’s play therapist uses:

1. Directive Play Therapy

Directive play therapy involves more activity on the part of the therapist in directly leading the course of the play session. Activities are chosen to help the child overcome behavioral or emotional problems. Through activities like games and role-playing, the therapist helps the child understand how to deal with fears, anxieties, and other social issues. The therapist will ask or prompt questions to direct the child’s attention to specific emotions or thoughts. This approach works for children who may struggle to express their feelings and let go when they feel sad. The structure is given to the child in ways that allow them to explore.

2. Non-directive Play Therapy

In play therapy, the child is in charge, and the therapist has no guidelines on what the child should do. The child is free to play with toys or perform activities, and the therapist will observe the child’s behavior. This format allows the child to share their feelings and conflicts in a safe place. The therapist’s task in the play is to reflect on the child’s behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Over time, the therapist may learn more about the child’s internal struggles. It encourages autonomy since the child can process feelings at their own pace, which is ideal for children who will not engage in a structured activity.

3. Sand Tray Therapy

Sand tray therapy is used by children in a sandbox with miniature figures to create scenes. Figures and sand often represent something in the child’s life: people, things, or situations. While the children are building their world in the sand, the therapist can get insight into the children’s emotions and fears and the relationship the children want with each other and the therapist. Children who have difficulty with verbal expression may find this form of treatment effective. It’s tactile and uses symbolic representation, so children can explore complex emotions without feeling overwhelmed. To better understand the child’s inner world, the therapist might ask questions or see how the child makes choices in the sand tray.

4. Art Therapy

Art therapy means using things like drawing, painting, or sculpting to let children express their feelings. In these sessions, children do artistic projects that allow them to externalize their feelings and thoughts. Depending on the therapist’s prompting, the child will create something specific or freely explore materials. The therapist then interprets the imagery and symbolism in the child’s artwork. This is a non-verbal way to learn about a child’s feelings on a subject. This provides an indirect, safe way for children to express some trauma, anxiety, or confusion through their creations.

5. Puppet Play

Puppet play therapy involves the use of puppets to project feelings and to reenact experiences. The child might play with the puppets and use their voices to represent various aspects of his or her internal world. This is where the children’s play therapist would watch the stories and dynamics develop to help interpret the child’s emotional state.

6. Group Play Therapy

Group play therapy brings together children in a structured therapeutic environment so these children can learn social and emotional skills. A child will play cooperative games or work on collaborative projects with other children. Therapists facilitate the group and help children work through exercises that teach empathy, problem-solving, and self-regulation. Observation helps to understand children’s social behaviors while engaging with their peers. Group therapy is useful for children experiencing social anxiety, bullying, or poor peer relationships. It creates a sense of belonging and community, and it can be a way to overcome emotional or behavioral problems.

Seek Help From a Children’s Play Therapist

Play therapy gives kids many ways to show their feelings and learn to cope with problems safely and creatively. In each instance, the therapist will learn about the child’s inner world, which can facilitate the healing process. Children can work around issues through art, play, and storytelling. Get in touch with a children’s play therapist to learn more.

Stay Connected With: celebriches