The Magic of Play Therapy
"Play is a child's natural medium for self-expression."-Virginia Axline
Play is the most developmentally appropriate way to support children in therapy work. If we wouldn't expect a child to go to work at the age of 7, then why would we expect the same way therapy works for adults to be applicable for children? Play therapy gives children the words to express themselves, when there are no actual words. The clinicians who work with children at the practice embrace various forms of play therapy both non-directive and directive depending on what seems most clinically relevant for the child. This doesn't mean "just playing", like your child would at home. One difference is that the clinician is able to reflect and make note of themes and feelings that emerge in a session, from there the clinician can determine whether to use more directive, yet playful strategies or maintain non-directive support. The goal as a therapist for children, adolescents and adults is to help determine what the best words and language are for the client and to provide the tools necessary to understand and become more fluent in the client's language. Relationship building is the central foundation on which good therapy is built, so the aim is to try and connect with a client in a way that is meaningful, transparent and genuine.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."-Fred Rogers
Play is the most developmentally appropriate way to support children in therapy work. If we wouldn't expect a child to go to work at the age of 7, then why would we expect the same way therapy works for adults to be applicable for children? Play therapy gives children the words to express themselves, when there are no actual words. The clinicians who work with children at the practice embrace various forms of play therapy both non-directive and directive depending on what seems most clinically relevant for the child. This doesn't mean "just playing", like your child would at home. One difference is that the clinician is able to reflect and make note of themes and feelings that emerge in a session, from there the clinician can determine whether to use more directive, yet playful strategies or maintain non-directive support. The goal as a therapist for children, adolescents and adults is to help determine what the best words and language are for the client and to provide the tools necessary to understand and become more fluent in the client's language. Relationship building is the central foundation on which good therapy is built, so the aim is to try and connect with a client in a way that is meaningful, transparent and genuine.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."-Fred Rogers