What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is a form of therapy for individuals of all ages, but it is typically used with children under the age of 12. It draws upon many psychological theories and is informed by research. It falls under the premise that children’s natural form of communication is through play, rather than words. Virginia Axline, one of the early pioneers in this field, suggested that play therapy “provides an opportunity for the child to ‘play out’ his or her feelings and problems just as, in certain adult therapy, an individual ‘talks out’ his or her difficulties”. Play therapists may work with clients individually, within a family, or in a group setting.
Therapeutic play occurs in a play therapy room, which contains props or tools that are utilized by the child and therapist. These may include the following, although this is not an exhaustive list: sandtray, dollhouse, puppets, art supplies, lego, cars, emergency vehicles, musical instruments, dress up centre, etc. The play therapy room is organized in such a way so that clients know exactly where the toy is that they may have used in the previous session. The play therapy room creates a container for safety and structure.
I utilize both directive play therapy and/ or non-directive play therapy depending on the circumstances. As with all therapies offered, I tailor the modality of play therapy to the individual and the concerns to be addressed.
Directive Play Therapy:
In Directive Play Therapy, the therapist leads the play or activities and the child follows. There is more structure in this form of play therapy and the therapist may choose the topics to focus on. For example, if a story is read to a child there will be a specific theme (e.g. family violence). If the therapist and child are playing a game, then the therapist has chosen the game for a specific purpose. If the therapist and child are playing with puppets or dolls the therapist will choose the theme and shape the character’s personalities through the play. There are also different established techniques that are used in directive play therapy, including directed sandtray therapy and cognitive behavioral play therapy.
Non-Directive Play Therapy:
In Non-Directive Play Therapy, the child leads the play or activities and the therapist follows. The therapist initially will track what the child is doing and announce in sportscaster fashion what is happening as the child is doing it. In future sessions, the therapist may then literally give voice to the feelings underlying the child’s play. The next step would include the therapist wondering aloud what might be the underlying cause for certain types of play and make connections for the child. In this type of play, the therapist helps bring the unconscious world of the child to consciousness. Themes of play are identified throughout the session to better identify the child’s progress.
Play Therapy is a form of therapy for individuals of all ages, but it is typically used with children under the age of 12. It draws upon many psychological theories and is informed by research. It falls under the premise that children’s natural form of communication is through play, rather than words. Virginia Axline, one of the early pioneers in this field, suggested that play therapy “provides an opportunity for the child to ‘play out’ his or her feelings and problems just as, in certain adult therapy, an individual ‘talks out’ his or her difficulties”. Play therapists may work with clients individually, within a family, or in a group setting.
Therapeutic play occurs in a play therapy room, which contains props or tools that are utilized by the child and therapist. These may include the following, although this is not an exhaustive list: sandtray, dollhouse, puppets, art supplies, lego, cars, emergency vehicles, musical instruments, dress up centre, etc. The play therapy room is organized in such a way so that clients know exactly where the toy is that they may have used in the previous session. The play therapy room creates a container for safety and structure.
I utilize both directive play therapy and/ or non-directive play therapy depending on the circumstances. As with all therapies offered, I tailor the modality of play therapy to the individual and the concerns to be addressed.
Directive Play Therapy:
In Directive Play Therapy, the therapist leads the play or activities and the child follows. There is more structure in this form of play therapy and the therapist may choose the topics to focus on. For example, if a story is read to a child there will be a specific theme (e.g. family violence). If the therapist and child are playing a game, then the therapist has chosen the game for a specific purpose. If the therapist and child are playing with puppets or dolls the therapist will choose the theme and shape the character’s personalities through the play. There are also different established techniques that are used in directive play therapy, including directed sandtray therapy and cognitive behavioral play therapy.
Non-Directive Play Therapy:
In Non-Directive Play Therapy, the child leads the play or activities and the therapist follows. The therapist initially will track what the child is doing and announce in sportscaster fashion what is happening as the child is doing it. In future sessions, the therapist may then literally give voice to the feelings underlying the child’s play. The next step would include the therapist wondering aloud what might be the underlying cause for certain types of play and make connections for the child. In this type of play, the therapist helps bring the unconscious world of the child to consciousness. Themes of play are identified throughout the session to better identify the child’s progress.