What is Play Therapy?
So what is play therapy? In short, play therapy is a form of mental health treatment often used with children. This is because many children can't articulate their problems, let alone process them. While play therapy may appear to be like regular playtime, it can be so much more!
What Makes Play Therapy Different?
More “traditional” therapy focuses on spoken conversations between a client and therapist. Individuals like children often can’t hold such conversations. In these cases, play therapy is a beneficial alternative. There is both natural, self-directed play and structured play. In sessions, play therapists can direct play to be more structured.
This helps the client learn to process situations and emotions, unlike natural play.
During this kind of therapy, a play therapist will first observe the way the client plays. This helps the play therapist gain insight into what the person might be going through. Play therapy gives clients freedom within a structure. Here, they can explore their emotions and process unresolved trauma in time.
Common Issues Play Therapy Can Help With
Play therapy can help a variety of conditions or stressors. Regardless of whether it's used with children, adolescents, or adults. Play therapy is a great way to work through traumatic events, abuse, or current stressful situations. Likewise, it can be a therapy tool for neurodivergent individuals with ADHD or autism. Play therapy can also help folks with depression, anxiety, and behavioral challenges.
What Are The Benefits of Play Therapy?
Play therapy can be a great way to bridge the relational barrier between a client and therapist. Many children are hesitant to be vulnerable with adults they don’t know, and with reason. Play therapy can be a great way to build trust between a client and therapist, regardless of the communication ability. As a result, play therapy can be both a focused treatment method or a tool used among other strategies. There are many benefits to play therapy. Thus, making it a versatile and impactful treatment method. As a person becomes more comfortable with play therapy, they can start to develop the following:
Stronger social skills
Improved family relationships
Stronger coping skills
The ability to experience and express their feelings in a safe way
A sense of self-worth and respect for others
The alleviation of anxiety
Play therapy can help individuals identify feelings in a more accurate way. This then helps them understand situations and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Any time a person can gain insight into themselves they are more likely to have better communication with others about their internal states. This leads to healthier, stronger relationships with more trust.
Interested in Play Therapy in San Antonio, TX?
Are you looking for support for yourself or a loved one? If so, play therapy should definitely be a consideration. A play therapist at our San Antonio, TX-based therapy practice can offer help. They've helped countless clients better understand themselves and the world around them, which is priceless. If you’re ready to get started, follow the steps below:
2. Meet with a caring play therapist
3. Start benefiting from child therapy
If you are interested in Play Therapy, we can help. For more information, contact us or call 210.384.1254.
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