What is play therapy? I
have to admit, as a Beyonder, I have had my doubts about its appropriatness. I mean, I understand the premise. At a workshop
on Play Therapy, one of its early practitioners, Byron Norton, asked the group to think about a problem with which they were
struggling. Then he tossed a big beach ball into the audience and asked us to keep it in the air. As we did, he talked about
problem solving. When he finally ended the experiment, most people expressed that they felt more confident about their abilities
to handle their situations. Why?
It seems we are more open to suggestion—more unguarded about our
feelings—when we are at play. This is especially true of someone whose ability to communicate verbally is minimal. I also found that play therapy is used most often—but not exclusively—with
children. According to its supporters, play therapy is beneficial even for seniors.
Okay. I can see that. But I still have a few problems accepting that letting
a child pattern being born, or nursing at his mother’s breast is giving the practitioner valid pictures of the child’s
early memories.
STILL>>>>>>
From Play Therapy Austrailia
http://www.playtherapyaustralia.com/
Play Therapy for Children
Child Centered Play Therapy can be a beautiful and effective way to help children and works for children
as counselling or psychotherapy does for adults. Child Centered Play Therapy helps children work through emotional,
psychosocial and behavioural difficulties and helps address family problems.
In Child Centered Play Therapy, a relationship develops between the child and the therapist. The therapist enters
the child’s world, following the child’s lead, developing a safe place and a relationship of trust.
Play Therapy sessions are usually held in a playroom that has a range of carefully selected toys and
materials. In special circumstances, Play Therapy sessions can also be offered in other settings such as home
and in hospital. In the playroom, the child can express feelings, thoughts, experiences and behaviours through play. Toys
are used like words and become the child’s natural language.
In Child Centered Play Therapy the child selects the toys and activities to play with. The Play Therapist may
join in the play on the child’s direction or invitation.
done in a way that helps children make choices and develop self responsibility.
______________________________________________________
From the Association for Play Therapy http://www.a4pt.org/ps.playtherapy.cfm?ID=1158
PlPlay Therapy Makes a Difference!
W
Why Play?
In recent years a growing number
of noted mental health professionals have observed that play is as important to human happiness and well being as love and
work (Schaefer, 1993). Some of the greatest thinkers of all time, including Aristotle and Plato, have reflected on why play
is so fundamental in our lives. The following are some of the many benefits of play that have been described by play theorists.
Play is a fun, enjoyable
activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. It expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization
and self-efficacy. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative
thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego (Landreth, 2002). In addition, play allows us to practice
skills and roles needed for survival. Learning and development are best fostered through play (Russ, 2004).
W
Why Play in Therapy?
Play therapy is a structured,
theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael,
2006; Landreth, 2002; O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983). The curative powers inherent in play are used in many ways. Therapists
strategically utilize play therapy to help children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language
to express their thoughts and feelings (Gil, 1991). In play therapy, toys are like the child's words and play is the child's
language (Landreth, 2002). Through play, therapists may help children learn more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional
or social skills deficits (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005). The positive relationship that develops between therapist and
child during play therapy sessions provides a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Moustakas, 1997). Play
therapy may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about and resolution of inner conflicts or dysfunctional
thinking in the child (O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).
W
What Is Play Therapy?
Initially developed in the
turn of the 20th century, today play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits
of play. Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children to address and resolve their own problems.
Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them
(Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express
feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides
a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.
H
How Does Play Therapy Work?
Children are referred for play
therapy to resolve their problems (Carmichael; 2006; Schaefer, 1993). Often, children have used up their own problem solving
tools, and they misbehave, may act out at home, with friends, and at school (Landreth, 2002). Play therapy allows trained
mental health practitioners who specialize in play therapy, to assess and understand children's play. Further, play therapy
is utilized to help children cope with difficult emotions and find solutions to problems (Moustakas, 1997; Reddy, Files-Hall
& Schaefer, 2005). By confronting problems in the clinical Play Therapy setting, children find healthier solutions. Play
therapy allows children to change the way they think about, feel toward, and resolve their concerns (Kaugars & Russ, 2001).
Even the most troubling problems can be confronted in play therapy and lasting resolutions can be discovered, rehearsed, mastered
and adapted into lifelong strategies (Russ, 2004).
W
Who Benefits from Play Therapy?
Although everyone benefits,
play therapy is especially appropriate for children ages 3 through 12 years old (Carmichael, 2006; Gil, 1991; Landreth; 2002;
Schaefer, 1993). Teenagers and adults have also benefited from play techniques and recreational processes. To that end, use
of play therapy with adults within mental health, agency, and other healthcare contexts is increasing (Pedro-Carroll &
Reddy, 2005; Schaefer, 2003). In recent years, play therapy interventions have also been applied to infants and toddlers.
Ho How Will Play
Therapy Benefit A Child?
Play therapy is implemented
as a treatment of choice in mental health, school, agency, developmental, hospital, residential, and recreational settings,
with clients of all ages (Carmichael,
2006; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).
Play therapy treatment plans have
been utilized as the primary intervention or as an adjunctive therapy for multiple mental health conditions and concerns (Gil & Drewes, 2004; Landreth, Sweeney, Ray, Homeyer & Glover, 2005), e.g.
anger management, grief and loss, divorce and family dissolution, and crisis and trauma, and for modification of behavioral disorders (Landreth, 2002), e.g. anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity
(ADHD), autism or pervasive developmental, academic and social developmental, physical and learning disabilities, and conduct
disorders (Bratton, Ray & Rhine, 2005).
Research supports the
effectiveness of play therapy with children experiencing a wide variety of social, emotional, behavioral, and learning problems,
including: children whose problems are related to 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). Play therapy helps children:
Become more responsible for behaviors and develop
more successful strategies.
Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
Learn to experience and express emotion.
Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings
of others.
Learn new social skills and relational skills with
family.
Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness
about their abilities.
H How
Long Does Play Therapy Take?
Each play therapy session varies
in length but usually last about 30 to 50 minutes. Sessions are usually held weekly. Research suggests that it takes an average
of 20 play therapy sessions to resolve the problems of the typical child referred for treatment. Of course, some children
may improve much faster while more serious or ongoing problems may take longer to resolve (Landreth, 2002; Carmichael, 2006).
Ho How May
My Family Be Involved in Play Therapy?
Families play an important
role in children's healing processes. The interaction between children's problems and their families is always complex. Sometimes
children develop problems as a way of signaling that there is something wrong in the family. Other times the entire family
becomes distressed because the child's problems are so disruptive. In all cases, children and families heal faster when they
work together.
The play therapist will
make some decisions about how and when to involve some or all members of the family in the play therapy. At a minimum, the
therapist will want to communicate regularly with the child's caretakers to develop a plan for resolving problems as they
are identified and to monitor the progress of the treatment. Other options might include involving a) the parents or caretakers
directly in the treatment in what is called filial play therapy and b) the whole family in family play therapy (Guerney, 2000).
Whatever the level the family members choose to be involved, they are an essential part of the child's healing (Carey &
Schaefer, 1994; Gil & Drewes, 2004).
Click below for a presentation on play therapy
http://www.a4pt.org/why.cfm
click
here for a virtual tour of a playroom from The Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas
http://www.coe.unt.edu/cpt/parentsindex.html
What is play therapy? I
have to admit, as a Beyonder, I have had my doubts about its appropriatness. I mean, I understand the premise. At a workshop
on Play Therapy, one of its early practitioners, Byron Norton, asked the group to think about a problem with which they were
struggling. Then he tossed a big beach ball into the audience and asked us to keep it in the air. As we did, he talked about
problem solving. When he finally ended the experiment, most people expressed that they felt more confident about their abilities
to handle their situations. Why?
It seems we are more open to suggestion—more unguarded about our
feelings—when we are at play. This is especially true of someone whose ability to communicate verbally is minimal. I also found that play therapy is used most often—but not exclusively—with
children. According to its supporters, play therapy is beneficial even for seniors.
Okay. I can see that. But I still have a few problems accepting that letting
a child pattern being born, or nursing at his mother’s breast is giving the practitioner valid pictures of the child’s
early memories.
STILL>>>>>>
From Play Therapy Austrailia
http://www.playtherapyaustralia.com/
Play Therapy for Children
Child Centered Play Therapy can be a beautiful and effective way to help children and works for children
as counselling or psychotherapy does for adults. Child Centered Play Therapy helps children work through emotional,
psychosocial and behavioural difficulties and helps address family problems.
In Child Centered Play Therapy, a relationship develops between the child and the therapist. The therapist enters
the child’s world, following the child’s lead, developing a safe place and a relationship of trust.
Play Therapy sessions are usually held in a playroom that has a range of carefully selected toys and
materials. In special circumstances, Play Therapy sessions can also be offered in other settings such as home
and in hospital. In the playroom, the child can express feelings, thoughts, experiences and behaviours through play. Toys
are used like words and become the child’s natural language.
In Child Centered Play Therapy the child selects the toys and activities to play with. The Play Therapist may
join in the play on the child’s direction or invitation.
done in a way that helps children make choices and develop self responsibility.
______________________________________________________
From the Association for Play Therapy http://www.a4pt.org/ps.playtherapy.cfm?ID=1158
PlPlay Therapy Makes a Difference!
W
Why Play?
In recent years a growing number
of noted mental health professionals have observed that play is as important to human happiness and well being as love and
work (Schaefer, 1993). Some of the greatest thinkers of all time, including Aristotle and Plato, have reflected on why play
is so fundamental in our lives. The following are some of the many benefits of play that have been described by play theorists.
Play is a fun, enjoyable
activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. It expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization
and self-efficacy. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative
thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego (Landreth, 2002). In addition, play allows us to practice
skills and roles needed for survival. Learning and development are best fostered through play (Russ, 2004).
W
Why Play in Therapy?
Play therapy is a structured,
theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael,
2006; Landreth, 2002; O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983). The curative powers inherent in play are used in many ways. Therapists
strategically utilize play therapy to help children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language
to express their thoughts and feelings (Gil, 1991). In play therapy, toys are like the child's words and play is the child's
language (Landreth, 2002). Through play, therapists may help children learn more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional
or social skills deficits (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005). The positive relationship that develops between therapist and
child during play therapy sessions provides a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Moustakas, 1997). Play
therapy may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about and resolution of inner conflicts or dysfunctional
thinking in the child (O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).
W
What Is Play Therapy?
Initially developed in the
turn of the 20th century, today play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits
of play. Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children to address and resolve their own problems.
Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them
(Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express
feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides
a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.
H
How Does Play Therapy Work?
Children are referred for play
therapy to resolve their problems (Carmichael; 2006; Schaefer, 1993). Often, children have used up their own problem solving
tools, and they misbehave, may act out at home, with friends, and at school (Landreth, 2002). Play therapy allows trained
mental health practitioners who specialize in play therapy, to assess and understand children's play. Further, play therapy
is utilized to help children cope with difficult emotions and find solutions to problems (Moustakas, 1997; Reddy, Files-Hall
& Schaefer, 2005). By confronting problems in the clinical Play Therapy setting, children find healthier solutions. Play
therapy allows children to change the way they think about, feel toward, and resolve their concerns (Kaugars & Russ, 2001).
Even the most troubling problems can be confronted in play therapy and lasting resolutions can be discovered, rehearsed, mastered
and adapted into lifelong strategies (Russ, 2004).
W
Who Benefits from Play Therapy?
Although everyone benefits,
play therapy is especially appropriate for children ages 3 through 12 years old (Carmichael, 2006; Gil, 1991; Landreth; 2002;
Schaefer, 1993). Teenagers and adults have also benefited from play techniques and recreational processes. To that end, use
of play therapy with adults within mental health, agency, and other healthcare contexts is increasing (Pedro-Carroll &
Reddy, 2005; Schaefer, 2003). In recent years, play therapy interventions have also been applied to infants and toddlers.
Ho How Will Play
Therapy Benefit A Child?
Play therapy is implemented
as a treatment of choice in mental health, school, agency, developmental, hospital, residential, and recreational settings,
with clients of all ages (Carmichael, 2006; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).
Play therapy treatment plans have
been utilized as the primary intervention or as an adjunctive therapy for multiple mental health conditions and concerns (Gil & Drewes, 2004; Landreth, Sweeney, Ray, Homeyer & Glover, 2005), e.g.
anger management, grief and loss, divorce and family dissolution, and crisis and trauma, and for modification of behavioral disorders (Landreth, 2002), e.g. anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity
(ADHD), autism or pervasive developmental, academic and social developmental, physical and learning disabilities, and conduct
disorders (Bratton, Ray & Rhine, 2005).
Research supports the
effectiveness of play therapy with children experiencing a wide variety of social, emotional, behavioral, and learning problems,
including: children whose problems are related to 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). Play therapy helps children:
Become more responsible for behaviors and develop
more successful strategies.
Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
Learn to experience and express emotion.
Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings
of others.
Learn new social skills and relational skills with
family.
Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness
about their abilities.
H How
Long Does Play Therapy Take?
Each play therapy session varies
in length but usually last about 30 to 50 minutes. Sessions are usually held weekly. Research suggests that it takes an average
of 20 play therapy sessions to resolve the problems of the typical child referred for treatment. Of course, some children
may improve much faster while more serious or ongoing problems may take longer to resolve (Landreth, 2002; Carmichael, 2006).
Ho How May
My Family Be Involved in Play Therapy?
Families play an important
role in children's healing processes. The interaction between children's problems and their families is always complex. Sometimes
children develop problems as a way of signaling that there is something wrong in the family. Other times the entire family
becomes distressed because the child's problems are so disruptive. In all cases, children and families heal faster when they
work together.
The play therapist will
make some decisions about how and when to involve some or all members of the family in the play therapy. At a minimum, the
therapist will want to communicate regularly with the child's caretakers to develop a plan for resolving problems as they
are identified and to monitor the progress of the treatment. Other options might include involving a) the parents or caretakers
directly in the treatment in what is called filial play therapy and b) the whole family in family play therapy (Guerney, 2000).
Whatever the level the family members choose to be involved, they are an essential part of the child's healing (Carey &
Schaefer, 1994; Gil & Drewes, 2004).
Click below for a presentation on play therapy
http://www.a4pt.org/why.cfm
click
here for a virtual tour of a playroom from The Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas
http://www.coe.unt.edu/cpt/parentsindex.html
