Play Therapy And How It Can Impact Younger Clients
January 02, 2023
If you're a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a child who may be struggling with an emotional or behavioural issue, play therapy may be a good option to consider. We want to do everything that's possible to ensure the success and welfare of our kids when it comes to helping them deal with behavioural or emotional issues.
The Process of Play Therapy
Play therapy is a therapy type that is based on the belief that children can heal from their emotional difficulties by engaging in the therapeutic process of play. During the process, the therapist will create a safe and comfortable environment for the child to help them express their thoughts and feelings.
The Benefits of Play Therapy
Play therapy can be beneficial for children who have difficulty communicating their feelings, who are experiencing anxiety or stress, who have experienced trauma, or who have behavioural issues. Play therapy can also help children to develop social skills, improve their communication skills, and develop a positive self-image.
The People Benefitting from Play Therapy
Play therapy can benefit children of all ages, from infancy through adolescence. Here are a few inclusions:
- Children with ASD. Autism spectrum disorder can present several challenges for children, including difficulty with social interaction and communication, repetitive behaviours, and sensory issues. This can help them learn to cope with these challenges and develop social and communication skills.
- Children with ADHD. Play therapy can help children with ADHD to develop impulse control, cope with frustration, and improve their problem-solving skills, as well as their relationships with others.
- Children with Behavioural Problems. Children with behavioural problems can benefit from play therapy by learning to understand and express their emotions, develop self-control, and learn new strategies to cope with stress and anger.
- Children with Developmental Delays. Play therapy will help children with developmental delays work on their social and communication skills as well as to catch up to their peers and lead more fulfilling lives. You may have noticed that your child is not keeping up with his or her peers in terms of social and communication skills.
- Children with Chronic Illness or Palliative Care. Play therapy can help children cope with the stress of a chronic illness or the death of a loved one. It can help them cope with the stress and anxiety of their illness, as well as help them come to terms with their mortality.
- Children with Anxiety, Depression, Grief, PTSD, etc. Children who are experiencing anxiety, despair, grief, PTSD, or other mental health concerns can benefit from this kind of therapy. It may give them the resources they require to control their symptoms and enjoy fuller lives.
Conclusion
As you can see, through play, children can learn to cope with difficult emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and build a stronger sense of self-esteem and self-worth. As you go through these factors, you will see how important play therapy is in a young one's overall development and can have a positive impact on their future.
Interested in play therapy? Mindsum offers affordable mental health therapies, helping you book qualified therapists and counsellors for anxiety, depression, personality disorder, PTSD, autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder and more. Get a free initial consultation today.