Parent Information Regarding Play Therapy
What is play therapy? Play therapy is an interpersonal, dynamic relationship between a child and a therapist trained in play therapy procedures. Because play is the natural language of children, it gives them the opportunity to express their emotions symbolically, learn coping skills, and build their self-esteem. Play therapy helps a child develop responsibility, decision-making skills, and self-control in a safe and non-threatening manner. Art therapy allows for a child to express feelings using various modalities and often gives a therapist insight beyond the child’s words.
How does it work? When children can communicate or play out how they feel to someone who understands, they feel better because the feelings have been released. You have probably experienced the same thing when talking to a supportive and understanding friend. In play therapy, children use dolls, art, puppets, games, a sand tray and other toys to say or assist them in expressing what they think and how they feel. Bibliotherapy using books targeting specific issues are also often used. Play therapy has been extensively researched and the research has provided strong support for the effectiveness of play therapy with children.
Before the first session: Tell your child that he/she will be coming to be with Ms. __________ in her special room. In the room, there will be lots toys/games to play with and activities to do. Usually, that is all the child will care about knowing. If the child needs further explanation, tell him/her, “When things aren’t going well, sometimes it helps to have a special time to share with another person.”
Here are some things to consider in helping your child benefit the most from play therapy:
1. Have your child wear comfortable clothes (we often get on the floor).
2. Before the session, don’t coach your child. Realize that children’s feelings about counseling vary from excitement, to anxiety, to sometime even resistance.
3. Trust your therapist to be the guide regarding focus – if there are concerns/things you need to discuss or make the therapist aware of, please note these on the progress note. The therapist will follow up with you during the session time or in a future session.
4. After the session, please don’t ask questions like, “Was that fun?” Sometimes, the sessions are not fun because the child is expressing difficult emotions. You are welcome to invite the child to share about the session if they wish but please don’t pressure them so that they feel this is a safe place to feel and sometime leave the things being addressed behind at the end of the session. If the child brings up things, that’s fine. It is just not helpful to ask lots of specific questions about the time. It is a personal time for the child. Your child’s therapist will keep you informed about your child’s progress.
How does it work? When children can communicate or play out how they feel to someone who understands, they feel better because the feelings have been released. You have probably experienced the same thing when talking to a supportive and understanding friend. In play therapy, children use dolls, art, puppets, games, a sand tray and other toys to say or assist them in expressing what they think and how they feel. Bibliotherapy using books targeting specific issues are also often used. Play therapy has been extensively researched and the research has provided strong support for the effectiveness of play therapy with children.
Before the first session: Tell your child that he/she will be coming to be with Ms. __________ in her special room. In the room, there will be lots toys/games to play with and activities to do. Usually, that is all the child will care about knowing. If the child needs further explanation, tell him/her, “When things aren’t going well, sometimes it helps to have a special time to share with another person.”
Here are some things to consider in helping your child benefit the most from play therapy:
1. Have your child wear comfortable clothes (we often get on the floor).
2. Before the session, don’t coach your child. Realize that children’s feelings about counseling vary from excitement, to anxiety, to sometime even resistance.
3. Trust your therapist to be the guide regarding focus – if there are concerns/things you need to discuss or make the therapist aware of, please note these on the progress note. The therapist will follow up with you during the session time or in a future session.
4. After the session, please don’t ask questions like, “Was that fun?” Sometimes, the sessions are not fun because the child is expressing difficult emotions. You are welcome to invite the child to share about the session if they wish but please don’t pressure them so that they feel this is a safe place to feel and sometime leave the things being addressed behind at the end of the session. If the child brings up things, that’s fine. It is just not helpful to ask lots of specific questions about the time. It is a personal time for the child. Your child’s therapist will keep you informed about your child’s progress.
