What is Play Therapy?

By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC, CATP The words play therapy often come up when we talk about helping children with their emotions. But what is play therapy? As adults, we can have a predetermined thought of what therapy looks like for kids. Therapy for kids is very different than for adults. Adults have the skills to put into words how they feel. They also have more insight into understanding what their body is doing. For example, many adults can tell they feel sad because their body feels heavy or things move slower. Children do not understand what is right and where they are supposed to be as a child. Play therapy is a way for a therapist to get on a child’s level and communicate through play. Children can more easily express themselves with play. Remember, each child might have additional therapies, but this would depend on their needs. Play therapy involves talking, but not a question-and-answer type of conversation. Children are allowed to make decisions and direct the play, which allows them to narrate their emotions and what they are feeling/experiencing within the play.

When to use Play Therapy

Play therapy is a technique typically used for children between the ages of 3 and 12. But honestly, anyone of any age can benefit from it, including older adults. There can be many reasons why therapy would be beneficial for children specifically. Play therapy can be helpful when we see behavioral issues, communication issues, delays in development, and trauma processing. Furthermore, the duration of time and level of care needed are addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Who can use Play Therapy

More studies are coming out about play therapy and what other groups of people might benefit from it. Many times, adults can have a hard time focusing on serious topics like bills, parenting, etc. Play therapy can be a time for adults to learn to let loose and let go of stress. Play therapy is a way for adults to re-engage the imagination portion of the brain. Adults must often adhere to rules at work, at home, and in society. Allowing yourself time to let go of the logical side of your brain can help lower stress and create time for flexibility.

What to expect if your child is in Play Therapy

Play therapy is going to look very different from traditional therapy. Sometimes, as adults, we assume that therapy is similar to how adult therapy is run. But for many children, sitting and talking for an hour can feel boring and difficult to stay engaged in. For some therapists, homework can come home for the parents, child, or both. The homework can be linked to things being worked out in session. Your therapist will keep you up to date on specific needs that might need to be addressed.

In Conclusion

Play therapy can be a way for your child to learn more about themselves and their emotions. This can help address behaviors as well as processes for children. Call today to find out more!

Begin Therapy in Katy, TX!

If you would like more help with children's emotions, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:

• Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information
• Meet with one of our knowledgeable therapists
• Find ways to thrive through therapy today!

Other Therapy Services We Offer: 

Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men's issues, women's issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!