Adults use words as symbols for meaning in their lives. Children use play as their symbol for meaning. Play is a child’s way of making sense of their world. It is their language. Children are able to demonstrate through play what they’re not able to express verbally.
Play Therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all of which make use of one or more of the natural benefits of play. In a trusting relationship with the therapist, a child is free to play out their feelings and conflicts. Play allows them a safe psychological distance from their challenges and allows them to express their true thoughts and feelings. Play Therapy provides an atmosphere in which children can confront their challenges in ways best suited to their developmental level.
By safely confronting their challenges in the protected Play Therapy environment, children find creative solutions. Play Therapy allows children to change the way they think about, feel toward, and resolve their challenges. Even the most troubling challenges can be confronted in Play Therapy and lasting resolutions can be discovered, rehearsed, and adapted into the child’s life. Play Therapy is powerfully healing.