How Can Play Therapy
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Children love to play!
They play all day long!
Why do they play so much?
Well, play is the primary way that children express themselves and learn about their world. Play has been described as the language of children.
Children feel more comfortable expressing themselves by interacting with toys than by verbalizing their feelings to others. Often, they do not really even recognize or understand their feelings.
Play therapy is also particularly effective for children who have not learned adequate social and communication skills due to developmental disabilities, such as autism. Play with others develops these relational skills.
It is also greatly beneficial for children with significantly stressful life events, such as divorce, death, trauma, or abuse.
However, it can also be useful for any child who is unable to cope well with usual life situations.
Play therapists are specifically trained specialists who understand child development and how to utilize particular toys during therapy. They help the child develop essential skills or to resolve certain situations.
A play therapist can also train you to conduct your own play sessions with your own child through filial therapy. You will actually strengthen your relationship with your child.
In addition, you can learn to do play therapy with your own child yourself! After all, you know your child better than anyone else.
Siblings can also do this therapy with their own brother or sister through play.
My neurotypical older daughter has modeled and demonstrated social and communication skills for her younger sister with PDD-NOS through play much better than either parent!
She explains nuances of interactions in a positive and encouraging manner. And her sister is particularly receptive to her corrections and suggestions.
Play therapy is a highly effective therapy for most any child, but especially for children with autism.
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