Play therapy is a form of therapy used when children may not be able to process their own emotions or articulate problems to parents or other adults. While it may look like an ordinary playtime, play therapy can be much more than that.

 

Trained therapists use playtime to observe and gain insights into a child’s difficulties. The therapist then helps the child explore emotions and deal with unresolved trauma. Through play, children learn new coping mechanisms thereby redirecting undesired behaviours.

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Some potential benefits of play therapy are:

 

1. Taking more responsibility for ones actions

2. Developing coping strategies and creative problem-solving skills

3. Developing empathy and respect for others

4. Alleviation of anxiety

5. Learning to fully experience and express feelings

6. Enhancing social skills Play therapy encourages use of language and improves fine and gross motor skills.