I TRIED TO TEACH MY CHILD WITH BOOKS; HE GAVE ME ONLY PUZZLED LOOKS.
I TRIED TO TEACH MY CHILD WITH WORDS; THEY PASSED HIM BY OFTEN UNHEARD.
DESPAIRINGLY, I TURNED ASIDE; "HOW SHALL I TEACH THIS CHILD," I CRIED?
INTO MY HAND HE PUT THE KEY, "COME," HE SAID, "PLAY WITH ME."
I TRIED TO TEACH MY CHILD WITH WORDS; THEY PASSED HIM BY OFTEN UNHEARD.
DESPAIRINGLY, I TURNED ASIDE; "HOW SHALL I TEACH THIS CHILD," I CRIED?
INTO MY HAND HE PUT THE KEY, "COME," HE SAID, "PLAY WITH ME."
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning process of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O'Connor 7 Schaefer, 1983). Play is essential to human growth, development, learning, and cultivating relationships.
Play is our first language. Just as adults use words to communicate, children use play. When playing, we express thoughts and feelings that might otherwise remain hidden. Play therapy is utilized to help children cope with difficult emotions and find solutions to problems. (Moustakes, 1997; Reddy, files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).
Play is our first language. Just as adults use words to communicate, children use play. When playing, we express thoughts and feelings that might otherwise remain hidden. Play therapy is utilized to help children cope with difficult emotions and find solutions to problems. (Moustakes, 1997; Reddy, files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).
Play is a natural process that:
- Builds trust and mastery
- Fosters learning and acceptable behaviors
- Regulates emotions
- Reduces anxieties
- Encourages open communication
- Elevates spirit and self-esteem
Play therapy allows children to change the way they think about, feel towards and resolve their concerns (Kaugares & Russ, 2001)
Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children experiencing a wide range of social, emotional, behavioral and learning problems, including: life stressors, such as divorce, death, relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, assimilate stressful experiences, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and natural disasters (Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).
Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children experiencing a wide range of social, emotional, behavioral and learning problems, including: life stressors, such as divorce, death, relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, assimilate stressful experiences, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and natural disasters (Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).
Why Use Play Therapists?
"Play therapists are trained and qualified to apply the many therapeutic powers of play to help clients resolve their psychosocial difficulties." Charles Schaefer, Ph.d., RPT-S
Play Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who have earned a Master's or Doctorate degree in a mental health field and obtained considerable general clinical experience and supervision.
Play Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who have earned a Master's or Doctorate degree in a mental health field and obtained considerable general clinical experience and supervision.
