Everything to Know About Child Play Therapy
Q&A with a Child Therapist
We spoke to Simren Kanwal, Registered Social Worker, about the many questions that are asked about child play therapy. Here’s what - you as a parent can expect - so you can decide whether or not play therapy it’s a good option for your child.
Q: What are the goals of play therapy?
A: The goals of Child Play Therapy can vary depending on the specific needs and circumstances of each child, but they generally include:
Emotional expression: One of the primary goals of play therapy is to provide children with a safe and supportive environment where they can freely express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play, in a manner that is most suitable to their developmental stage. This helps them to explore and understand their emotions in a non-threatening way.
Communication skills: Play therapy aims to improve a child's communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. Through various play activities, children can learn to express themselves more effectively, communicate their needs, and develop better interpersonal skills.
Problem-solving abilities: Play therapy often incorporates activities that encourage children to problem-solve and make decisions. This helps them develop critical thinking skills, learn how to cope with challenges, and build resilience.
Emotional regulation: Many children struggle with regulating their emotions, which can lead to behavioral issues and difficulties in social interactions. Play therapy helps children learn healthy ways to manage and cope with their emotions, such as anger, sadness, and anxiety.
Building self-esteem and confidence: Play therapy provides children with opportunities to experience success and mastery, which can help boost their self-esteem and confidence. Through positive reinforcement and encouragement, children learn to trust in their abilities and value themselves.
Developing coping skills: Children facing various challenges, such as trauma, grief, or family issues, can benefit from learning coping skills to navigate difficult situations. Play therapy teaches children coping strategies they can use to deal with stressors and adversities in their lives.
Enhancing social skills: Play therapy often involves interactions with the therapist or other children, which provides opportunities for children to practice social skills such as sharing, taking turns, empathy, and cooperation. These skills are essential for forming healthy relationships and navigating social situations.
Healing from trauma: For children who have experienced trauma or adverse experiences, play therapy can provide a safe space for processing and healing. Through play, children can explore their feelings and experiences related to the trauma, develop a sense of safety and trust, and work towards healing and recovery.
Promoting self-awareness and insight: Play therapy encourages children to explore their inner world, thoughts, and feelings, leading to greater self-awareness and insight. This self-awareness can help children better understand themselves, their behaviors, and the reasons behind their actions.
Q: Who is play therapy best for?
A: Child Play Therapy is generally considered the most suitable form of therapy for children, from ages 4 to 12. It can be beneficial for a wide range of children facing various challenges or experiencing difficulties in their lives.
It is particularly helpful for:
Children experiencing emotional difficulties: This can include children struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, grief, trauma, or other emotional issues. Play therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for these children to express and process their feelings.
Children with behavioral problems: Play therapy can be effective for children who exhibit challenging behaviors such as aggression, defiance, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or difficulty following rules. Through play, children can learn alternative ways to express themselves and develop better self-control and coping skills.
Children with developmental delays or disabilities: Play therapy can be adapted to meet the unique needs of children with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, or other special needs. It provides a therapeutic approach that focuses on the child's strengths and abilities, helping them build essential skills and reach their full potential.
Children experiencing family or relationship difficulties: Play therapy can be helpful for children who are experiencing family conflict, divorce, separation, bereavement, or other relationship issues. It provides a safe space for children to explore their feelings about these challenges and learn how to navigate their relationships more effectively.
Children experiencing academic difficulties: Some children may struggle academically due to factors such as learning disabilities, attention difficulties, or anxiety. Play therapy can help these children build confidence, improve their problem-solving skills, and develop a more positive attitude towards learning.
Children with attachment issues: Children who have experienced disruptions in their early relationships or who have insecure attachment patterns may benefit from play therapy to build trust, develop healthy attachments, and improve their relationships with caregivers and peers.
Children experiencing transitions or life changes: Play therapy can be helpful for children who are facing significant life changes such as moving to a new school, adjusting to a new family dynamic, or experiencing a major life event. It provides support and guidance during these transitions and helps children adapt more successfully.
Overall, Child Play Therapy is best suited for children who can benefit from a creative, experiential approach to therapy that allows them to express themselves in a natural and developmentally appropriate way. It is a flexible and adaptable intervention that can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each child.
Q: How can play therapy help my child? What are the benefits?
A: Child Play Therapy has a number of uses and benefits, and can be adapted and individually tailored so that it could potentially help any child with any issue.
Here are some specific ways in which play therapy can help a child:
Emotional expression: Play therapy provides children with a safe and non-threatening outlet to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through various play activities, children can externalize and process their emotions, which can lead to a sense of relief and catharsis.
Communication skills: Play therapy helps children improve their communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. By engaging in play interactions with the therapist, children learn to express themselves more effectively, articulate their needs, and communicate with others in a healthier way.
Problem-solving abilities: Play therapy encourages children to engage in imaginative and creative play, which fosters problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Children learn to explore different solutions, make decisions, and overcome challenges, building confidence in their abilities.
Emotional regulation: Many children struggle with regulating their emotions, leading to issues such as anger outbursts, anxiety, or meltdowns. Play therapy teaches children coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage their emotions more effectively, promoting self-control and emotional stability.
Self-esteem and confidence: Through play therapy, children experience success, validation, and acceptance from the therapist, which helps boost their self-esteem and confidence. As they engage in play activities and receive positive reinforcement, children develop a more positive self-image and a sense of competence.
Social skills: Play therapy provides opportunities for children to practice social skills such as sharing, taking turns, cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. By interacting with the therapist or other children in the playroom, children learn essential social skills that are crucial for forming healthy relationships and navigating social situations.
Trauma processing and healing: For children who have experienced trauma or adverse experiences, play therapy offers a gentle and developmentally appropriate approach to processing and healing. Through play, children can reenact traumatic events, express their feelings, and work through their trauma in a safe and supportive environment.
Attachment and relationship building: Play therapy helps children build trust and develop secure attachments with the therapist, which can translate to improved relationships with caregivers and peers outside of therapy. Through the therapeutic relationship, children learn to trust, communicate, and form healthy connections with others.
Cognitive development: Play therapy stimulates cognitive development by encouraging imagination, creativity, problem-solving, and symbolic thinking. Children engage in symbolic play, storytelling, and pretend scenarios that enhance their cognitive skills and promote intellectual growth.
Overall, Child Play Therapy offers a holistic approach to supporting children's development and well-being, addressing their emotional, social, cognitive, and relational needs in a supportive and empowering way.
Q: How does play therapy work? What techniques are used?
A: A therapist can implement and use play therapy with children in several different ways, depending on their presenting issues and the reason for seeking therapy.
Play therapy works by providing children with a safe, supportive, and non-directive environment in which they can express themselves, explore their thoughts and feelings, and work through challenges using play as the primary medium of communication. The therapist follows the child's lead, engaging in play interactions that facilitate the child's self-expression, problem-solving, and emotional processing.
Several techniques are commonly used in play therapy to achieve therapeutic goals:
The Floortime Approach, a common play therapy model, developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, was initially developed for children with autism. However, that model can be adapted and applied to children with other presenting issues, and aspects of it can be utilized in almost all play therapy. For example, step one of the Floortime Approach is following the child’s lead and joining the child’s world. I personally apply the concepts in this step to all of my play therapy sessions. Play therapy is fundamentally based on harnessing the child’s own natural interests, which generally leads to developing a stronger connection with the child and, ultimately, a more effective intervention. Joining the child’s world can help them feel respected and heard and lead to a better understanding of their inner thoughts and feelings as well.
Child-centered play therapy: In this approach, the therapist creates a playroom environment filled with a variety of toys and materials that encourage creative expression and imaginative play. The child is free to choose the toys and activities they want to engage in, while the therapist provides empathetic listening and support without judgment or interpretation.
Directive play therapy techniques: While play therapy is generally non-directive, meaning the child leads the play interactions, therapists may also incorporate directive techniques when appropriate. These techniques involve the therapist guiding the child's play towards specific therapeutic goals or themes, such as role-playing, storytelling, art activities, or structured games.
Sandplay therapy: Sandplay therapy involves the use of a tray filled with sand and a collection of miniature figures and objects. Children create scenes or "sand worlds" using the figures and sand, which can represent their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The therapist observes and facilitates the child's sandplay process, providing support and guidance as needed.
Art therapy: Art therapy utilizes various art materials and techniques, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and collage, to help children express themselves creatively and symbolically. Children may create artwork that represents their emotions, experiences, or inner world, allowing them to explore and process their feelings in a visual and tangible way. For older children, this is usually more appropriate than playing with toys, and art can be a powerful form of self-expression and emotional healing for youth too.
Storytelling and narrative techniques: Therapists may use storytelling, puppetry, or role-playing to help children externalize their experiences, explore alternative perspectives, and develop insight and understanding. Children may create stories or use puppets to act out scenarios that reflect their thoughts, feelings, and struggles.
Therapeutic games and activities: Therapists may incorporate structured games, puzzles, board games, or therapeutic activities into play therapy sessions to address specific therapeutic goals, such as building social skills, improving problem-solving abilities, or enhancing emotional regulation.
Symbolic play: Children often engage in symbolic play, such as pretending to be superheroes, animals, or characters from their favorite stories, which can provide insight into their inner world and psychological functioning. Therapists observe and participate in symbolic play interactions, using them as opportunities for therapeutic intervention and exploration. It can be initiated either by the child or the therapist and then engaged in jointly. It is essentially play that represents a scenario within the child’s own life, either directly or indirectly. It can provide a window into the child’s inner world and/or help introduce to the child new perspectives on the situation or ideas for behavioural changes. For example, the therapist and child might play with Barbie dolls to act out certain scenarios that occur in the child’s family. The therapist could then direct the play to demonstrate different ways that each doll can behave or react in this scenario and explore the child's feelings.
Overall, Child Play Therapy works by harnessing the natural language of children—play—to facilitate self-expression, emotional processing, and growth in a supportive and therapeutic context. Therapists adapt their approach and techniques based on the individual needs, preferences, and developmental level of each child. Through play therapy, children can develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and coping skills to navigate life's challenges.
Q: What qualifications and experience should we look for in a therapist?
A: It would be safe to assume that almost all Children’s Therapists, Registered Social Workers, or Psychotherapists/Psychologists are trained in Play Therapy, as it is the most commonly used modality for mental health intervention in children.
However, when doing an initial consultation, it is good to ask the therapist if they practice Play Therapy and also which age groups they are experienced in working with. Not all Children’s Therapists are comfortable working with younger children, for example, under 8 years old.
Q: How long does play therapy typically last, and how often would my child need to attend sessions?
A: Play Therapy sessions typically last 45 minutes to 1 hour.
It is recommended for children to attend weekly for best results, as it maintains consistency and momentum. However, if scheduling or finances do not allow for weekly attendance, every 2 weeks can also work.
Q: How much does play therapy cost, and will our insurance cover it?
A: At our practice, individual therapy is $170 per session and $185 for family sessions.
We encourage all clients to check with their insurance provider when it comes to coverage. The therapists at Peachey Counselling who work with children are Registered Social Workers, so it is likely that services can be covered if your extended health benefits include services from a Registered Social Worker.
Q: Can parents do play therapy at home?
A: This depends on the reason and goals of therapy for your child.
If therapy is required to address issues at home within the family or issues the child is not comfortable sharing with family members yet, play therapy with a therapist is recommended. A child is more likely to share their worries or difficult feelings with a professional once rapport and trust have been built.
While play therapy is typically conducted by trained mental health professionals in a therapeutic setting, parents can certainly incorporate play-based activities and techniques at home to support their child's emotional well-being and development. For example, if it is for a child with autism or a young child with communication or behaviour issues, Floortime Play Therapy at home by parents can be effective, provided the parents have been trained or coached on the approach.
Here are some other ways parents can engage in play therapy-like activities at home:
Create a safe and nurturing environment: Provide a dedicated space in the home where your child feels comfortable and free to explore and play. This could be a playroom, a corner of the living room, or even outdoors. Make sure the space is filled with a variety of toys, art supplies, and materials that encourage imaginative and creative play.
Follow your child's lead: Just like in play therapy sessions, let your child take the lead during playtime at home. Allow them to choose the toys, games, or activities they want to engage in, and follow their cues and interests. Be present and attentive, offering support and encouragement as needed.
Engage in child-centered play: During playtime, focus on being fully present and engaged with your child. Use reflective listening and empathetic responses to validate your child's thoughts and feelings. Avoid directing or controlling the play, and instead, allow your child to express themselves freely through play.
Use play to explore emotions: Encourage your child to express their emotions through play. Provide opportunities for them to role-play, use art materials to create drawings or paintings that represent their feelings, or engage in storytelling activities. Use open-ended questions to facilitate conversations about their emotions and experiences.
Set up sensory play experiences: Sensory play activities, such as playing with sand, water, playdough, or sensory bins filled with different materials, can be calming and therapeutic for children. These activities engage the senses and provide opportunities for exploration and self-expression.
Encourage imaginative play: Foster imaginative and creative play by providing props, costumes, and materials that inspire storytelling and make-believe scenarios. Join in the play with your child, taking on different roles and characters, and encourage them to use their imagination to create elaborate stories and adventures.
Use play to strengthen the parent-child bond: Playtime at home is an excellent opportunity for parents to connect and bond with their child. Use this time to engage in playful interactions, share laughter and joy, and build positive memories together.
While parents can incorporate play therapy-like activities at home, it's essential to recognize that professional play therapists undergo specialized training and have expertise in using play as a therapeutic tool to address specific emotional and psychological concerns in children. If your child is struggling with significant emotional or behavioral issues, seeking support from a qualified mental health professional is recommended.
In summary, play therapy addresses many different topics and benefits children of all ages. As a form of therapeutic intervention specifically designed for children, play therapy utilizing play as the primary mode of communication and expression. The approach is intended to be accessible while also addressing the challenges our kids face. Creating a safe space is key to play therapy, and in providing a safe and supportive environment for children, they are able to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a healthier way. The goals of play therapy include emotional expression, communication skill development, problem-solving abilities, emotional regulation, building self-esteem and confidence, enhancing social skills, and promoting healing from trauma.
Ultimately, play therapy supports children's emotional and psychological well-being, promotes healthy development, and empowers them to overcome challenges so they can thrive in their lives.
Whatever it is, we’re here for you.♡
Life is uncertain. Jobs are stressful. Parenting is hard. Relationships take work. Families can be dysfunctional. And sometimes, love hurts. When you’re confronted by feelings, events, or issues that are making your life challenging, it’s okay to ask for some help.
