Play is a child's natural way of processing!

We wouldn’t actually expect a 5 year old to sit down and engage in talk therapy the way an adult does; that wouldn’t work out in anyone’s favor! Instead, we utilize a child’s innate way of processing their thoughts and feelings about the world around them and their experiences - play!

Play allows children the time and space to work through whatever it is they are bringing into session. As with traditional counseling, there are many different types/approaches of play therapy. To learn more about play therapy and the research supporting this intervention, check out this link.

You might find yourself wondering, how is play therapy different than my child simply playing at home?

Play therapy is not “just playing.” Play therapy is carried out with a mental health clinician trained in use of play therapy approaches. It uses the child's natural inclination to "play out" their reactions to life situations. Through this process, the clinician assists the child in feeling understood and accepted, while giving space to the child to gain a sense of control and better understand difficult situations. These difficult situations could be anything a child is struggling to make sense of emotionally, such as parents divorcing, difficult making friends, adjusting to life transitions such as a new school or loss of a loved one. Every child is different. Some children may need more support than others to navigate these situations.

If you have a child that you feel could benefit from play therapy, please do not hesitate to reach out!