What to expect from Play Therapy: a guide for professionals
Introduction to Play Therapy
Welcome to my page dedicated to professionals interested in play therapy. My aim is to provide you with comprehensive information about the practice and its benefits for the children in your care. Whether you are a teacher, social worker, pediatrician, or a dedicated caregiver, understanding play therapy can enhance your ability to support children’s emotional and psychological well-being.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is an evidence-based approach that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children. It is a means for children to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process.
The Role of Play Therapy in Child Development
Play therapy is particularly effective for children because it leverages the natural medium of play, which is crucial to child development. It helps children:
- Express Emotions: Safely express feelings they might not understand or feel comfortable sharing verbally.
- Process Traumatic Experiences: Play therapy can provide a safe, non-threatening environment for traumatised children to process their experiences and develop coping skills.
- Improve Behaviour: Learn to manage their behaviours and develop better coping strategies.
- Enhance Social Skills: Improve their ability to interact with others.
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
Children facing a variety of challenges can benefit from play therapy, including:
- Emotional and behavioural disorders
- Trauma and loss
- Anxiety and depression
- Social adjustment issues
- School avoidance
- Developmental delays
- Neurodiversities (ADHD, ASD)
The Play Therapy Process - what to expect.
1. Initial meeting:
- You will be invited to attend a Teams meeting to obtain a thorough evaluation of the child’s emotional and behavioral needs.
- I will collaborate with parents/caregivers in a separate meeting to gather comprehensive background information of the child.
2. Intervention:
- Weekly therapy sessions on a one-to-one basis will be arranged with the parent/carer. The child will engage in play activities tailored to their therapeutic goals.
- There will be a minimum of 12 sessions. Children with needs that are more complex will require a minimum of 20 sessions.
- Use of various techniques such as art, storytelling, role-playing, and sensory play are available to the child using a Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) model.
3. Collaboration:
- There will be regular communication with parents/caregivers to discuss progress and strategies to support the child outside of therapy.
- There will be coordination with the professionals involved in the child’s care to ensure a holistic approach.
How Play Therapy Supports Professionals and Carers
For Educators:
- Provides insights into the emotional and behavioural challenges students might face.
- Offers strategies to create a supportive classroom environment.
- Enhances the child's enduation.
For Healthcare Providers:
- Complements medical treatment by addressing emotional and psychological needs.
- Enhances understanding of the child’s overall well-being.
For Social Workers:
- Offering emotional and psychological support to assist the child's care plan.
- Helps in identifying underlying issues that may affect a child's social and family dynamics.
For Caregivers:
- Offers tools and techniques to support a child's emotional health at home.
- Encourages a deeper understanding of the child's needs and behaviours.