Play therapy & counseling
Play therapy is a form of therapy in which the therapist encourages and help the child to communicate, explore and express repressed thoughts and emotions, address unresolved trauma, and experience personal growth as well as develop healthier behaviors. It is widely viewed as an important, effective, and developmentally appropriate mental health treatment. During sessions, the therapist creates a comfortable, safe environment in which the child is allowed to play with as few limits as possible.
Although people of all ages can benefit from play therapy, it’s typically used with children between the ages of 3 and 12. Play therapy may be helpful in a variety of circumstances, such as:
• Facing medical procedures, chronic illness, or palliative care
• Developmental delay or learning difficulties
• Problematic behaviors (e.g. aggression or anger)
• Family issues (e.g. divorce, separation, or death of a close family member)
• Natural disasters or traumatic events
• Domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
• Anxiety, depression, grief
• Eating and toileting disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)