"Play is a child's natural medium for self-expression" — Virginia Axline.
PLAY THERAPY
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What is play therapy?
Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. Play therapy utilizes play, children's natural medium of expression, to help them express their feelings more easily through toys instead of words. - University of North Texas Play Therapy Center
Play therapy is more than just playing with toys. Children are able to process trauma, abuse, emotions and more through play. It provides a space where they do not need the words or cognitive ability to talk it out. They are able to bring their worlds to life and work things out in a safe space with someone they can trust
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Why choose play therapy
It is an opportunity which is given to the child to ‘play out’ his feelings and problems just as in certain types of adult therapy an individual ‘talks out’ his difficulties.” Virginia Axline
"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." - Association for Play Therapy
https://www.a4pt.org/page/PTMakesADifference/Play-Therapy-Makes-a-
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More than Just Play
Play Therapy, a modality of child therapy, is a powerful tool for addressing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional challenges. Licensed professionals use play therapeutically to help clients better process their experiences and develop more effective strategies for managing their worlds. - Association of Play Therapy
Play therapy is used to treat anxiety, depression, grief, behavior issues, emotional expression, and more. It empowers children through discovery in their own language with support.
A few of Dawna’s thoughts on play therapy -
Play therapy is powerful.
It can also be completely misunderstood because there is a lack of understanding about the value of play in development and the acquisition of language.
I have seen children’s lives changed when working with a play therapist and witnessed it myself in session. My supervisor, Danielle Howard, has been a Registered play therapist (RPT) for years and is trained in supervision as well. I am learning from one of the best!
I plan to use my years of experience with young children and the skills I am currently learning to become a Registered Play Therapist with the Association of Play Therapy, APT, in the near future.
I encourage you to learn more by clicking the links in the section above or exploring the Association of Play Therapy website (link below)!
https://www.a4pt.org/