The Power of Play Therapy
The words “play” and “therapy” might not automatically seem like a good match. So, perhaps the clinical name of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) will sound more official. CCPT is founded on the reality that non-stop lessons are learned by playing. It’s an essential part of their life and development and can thus be integrated into any type of therapy a child needs.
Whether the wounds are physical, emotional, or cognitive, play therapy has the power to facilitate healing. When playing, your child does not feel bored, is better able to regulate their emotions, and makes new connections with others. CCPT is fun, and it encourages children to express themselves and find creative solutions and resilience.
What is Play Therapy and How Does It Help?
Whatever CCPT may look like to the untrained eye, it is a structured form of child therapy based on research and clinical experience. It’s designed to assist children in identifying and resolving problems while learning more about where they fit into the world around them.
In some cases, play therapy is very directed and targeted. Other times, a therapist will give your child more flexibility. This can often reveal their thought patterns better than examination or direct questioning.
Here are some more basic but super important details to know about CCPT:
It guides children to express their emotions through their chosen toys and games. You might even call it a form of language — especially for children who lack the desire or ability to effectively verbalize their feelings.
Play therapy forms a strong bond between the child and their therapist. This lays the groundwork for the kind of trust that enables progress and healing.
CCPT naturally reveals important tendencies related to communication, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
How Play Therapy Can Help Your Child in Identifiable Ways
Movement
Physical activity must be encouraged more than ever in this digital age. A play therapist understands how to motivate a child to the kind of movement that will benefit them the most. Active CCPT sessions — outdoors, if possible — are found to produce positive results like:
Enhanced concentration
Burning off pent-up energy
Expedited brain development
Reduced risk of physical issues related to obesity and/or a sedentary lifestyle
Sleep Patterns
Following up on the physical activity, sleep comes naturally. When children push themselves intellectually and physically in play sessions, they are likelier to develop healthy sleep patterns.
Family Time
The carry-over from CCPT is that parents and siblings can play with the child in a similar way in between sessions. This not only enhances the treatment but it builds a strong bond with the family unit.
Storytelling
Relaxed play time is a catalyst for important storytelling. When children are creating, they may wind up sharing important information about their state of mind through the stories they tell. This also helps children develop a sense of emotional regulation. Through play and storytelling, they can tackle tough issues without being triggered into a tantrum or meltdown.
Social Skills
Your child’s life is made more rich and fulfilling through their social connections. Play therapy is an effective method for them to cultivate the kind of social skills that are conducive to making and keeping friends.
Making Good Use of the Power of Play Therapy
Whatever your child is struggling with can be addressed via CCPT. A seasoned play therapist can put your child at ease, bring them to a creative mindset, and then introduce techniques that make underlying issues more identifiable. Meanwhile, the child is having fun! This powerful approach does not put pressure on children. Rather, it creates space for positive outcomes to arise more organically. If you are interested in whether or not play therapy is right for your child, contact our office today.
About the Author
Deborah Duley, LCSW-C is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of the Leonardtown, MD-based mental health practice, Empowered Connections, LLC. She works closely with children, teens, and women, including members of the LGBTQ+ community on a wide range of presenting concerns using therapeutic modalities such as brainspotting and EMDR. She offers sessions online and in person in both English and Spanish.