Play is the occupation of children, through play they...

• Make sense of their world and experiences 

• Express their thoughts and feelings  

• Practice important developmental skills 

  • Cognitive skills

  • regulation and management of emotional experiences

  • relationship skills

  • Motor skills

  • visual/spatial skills

Play should be

The therapeutic benefits of play were recognized as early as 1909 and with contributions from many pioneering therapists over the years.   Early play therapy began with the concept of interpretation of play as a symbolic language for children.  Additional theories underlying the development of specific play models including emphasis on humanistic and relational viewpoints.   More recent models have expanded focused on the integration of caregiver coaching into play therapy sessions. 

• The child is accepted exactly how they are

• Emphasis on a permissive relationship to allow the child to feel free to express themselves 

• The therapist recognizes and reflects feelings back to the child in order to gain insight into their behavior

• The therapist creates opportunities for the child to problem solve and make choices, respecting their ability to do so. 

• The child leads the way and the therapist or parent follows.

• The child sets the pace 

• Limits are only established during a play therapy session when needed. 

You know your child the best and have unique attributes that contribute to your child's success.  

Parents can contribute a great deal of information and insight during private meetings with the therapist that may help guide the direction of therapy.  During the play  sessions with your child you will receive coaching and feedback on the following skills. 

• Reflective listening

• Functional limit setting

• self-esteem building and encouragement

• choice giving 

• circles of communication

• Freedom phrases & returning responsibility

• problem solving methods

• supportive co-regulation

• special playtimes

• Role playing/ practicing

Your therapist will guide you on building strategies for this important key strategy in therapeutic play.   When responding in the therapeutic play environment it is important to remember the key principles including Unconditional Acceptance.   

Integrating therapeutic play concepts is beneficial in many settings from homes to hospitals to schools.  Play therapy concepts allow the child to develop confidence and internal sense of control to make choices, improve self-esteem, allow opportunity for expression and a means for understanding their world and how to relate to others.  Evidence supports that play therapy interventions