what is play therapy?
Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach for children (typically under the age of 12) that utilizes play as an avenue for emotional expression. With the guidance of a Play Therapist, play can provide a way to safely and creatively work through challenges, particularly those a child may not be able to verbalize. It is a structured, evidence-based method that helps individuals process experiences, develop coping skills, and build self-esteem.
​
Play Therapy has been shown to provide benefits including:
Emotional Expression
Nervous System Regulation
Emotional Processing
Increased Independence & Self-Esteem
Enhanced Social Relationships
Increased Self-Awareness and Communication
Feeling Identification & Coping
Improvements in Behavior and Mood
​
​
Why Play Therapy?
PLAY IS IMPORTANT
Play therapy is a way of being with the child that honors their unique developmental level and looks for ways of helping in their primary “language” – play.
​
In play therapy, toys are like the child's words and play is the child's language (Landreth, 2002). Through play, therapists may help children learn more adaptive behaviors and social-emotional skills (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005).
The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play therapy sessions can provide a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Moustakas, 1997). Play therapy may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about and resolution of inner conflicts in the child (O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983; Reddy, Files-Hall, & Schaefer, 2005).
​
- From the Association for Play Therapy
What is Sandtray Therapy?
Sandtray therapy is a counseling technique that incorporates miniatures symbolic to the child's world and a tray of sand. The sand tray provides a natural boundary and safe space for the child to express their understanding of themselves and their worlds, as well as to build and create solutions to problems on their own.
Research shows that sandtray therapy can help increase emotional expression through the use of metaphor, while reducing the psychological discomfort that may come from discussing events or experiences verbally (Sweeney, 2021).
​
Other benefits include the sensory experience of the smooth sand, the freedom to make choices in the play room, and the calming effect of incorporating a natural element.
​
​
Associations & Memberships
