Understanding Play Therapy for Parents and Guardians

Today I will write about different ways to understand play therapy. First, I will cover how to understand play therapy as I usually explain it to adults. Secondly, I will cover a few ways to explain play therapy to a child. Lastly, I will touch on the fact that play therapy can be used to help solve issues, or it can prevent issues from occurring.

Let’s get started:

Explaining Play Therapy to an Adult:

When explaining play therapy to an adult, I might say, “Play therapy is a type of therapy where children are allowed to express themselves through play. Play is a child’s primary form of language and toys serve as words for children to express themselves in a natural way.”

Because I am a trained and licensed therapist, I can help build self-esteem through playing. This will help the child to have behavioral and emotional regulation. There is a lot of research that shows that play therapy works.

First Way to Explain Play Therapy to a Child:

I would like to give you a framework to talk about therapy to your young person. Most people can understand that a clean room is more fun than a room cluttered with toys. If the room is clean, then you can find the toy you want, and you have room to play.

This is how to explain processing feelings in therapy:

I need you to use your imagination. Imagine that your feelings are like your toys. Some days, maybe you have a lot of toys spread out across the floor and it is hard to walk around your room. When you go to therapy, you will process your feelings. That is like picking up one toy at a time and deciding the best place to put it away.

Processing feeling happy is like picking up a toy that is special and rare and putting it up on a shelf. Then, you can see it and remember that good feeling.

Processing feeling sad or mad would be different. It might be like picking up a toy that is not very fun, or one that is a little broken. You look at it, and you think about why it makes you upset. Then, you decide what to do with it. You might choose to fix it, or you might put it away for a while. Or you might decide you need some help to deal with it.

Processing your feelings is like cleaning up your room. Instead of toys, you are sorting through your feelings. That helps you to understand your feelings more. It helps you to feel more happiness. It helps you to have a clearer mind, just like how it is nicer to play in a clean room.

 Second Way to Explain Play Therapy to a Child:

Think about the therapy room. It has specific toys that therapists specifically choose. These toys help children to play through their life experiences.

As a parent, I would explain to my child that they are going to a room full of games, toys, and art supplies. “This is a safe place. In here, you can play with all the toys most of the ways you would like. It will be fun. There will be a helper there that will be with you and talk to you while you play. I will go with you, and I will be in the waiting room, and I will know exactly where you are.”

Telling your child what to expect gives them comfort. It prepares the child for the therapy session, and it sets him or her up for success.

Play Therapy: Intervention and Prevention

Play therapy is not only used for interventions but preventions. It gives the child freedom, where he or she can express their self, it builds self-esteem and reinforce a sense of responsibility, and it is helpful for them.

 In conclusion, there are a few ways to understand play therapy. Also, play therapy can help with current issues such as anxiety or depression, and it can even be used as a preventive for future issues.

If this resonates with you, please reach out today to schedule your free 30-minute consultation. I am happy to answer questions no matter what you decide.