Play therapy is a specialised form of therapeutic intervention that harnesses the power of play to support children's emotional, social, and behavioural development.
It offers a safe and non-threatening environment where children can express themselves, explore their feelings, and work through challenges.
Play therapy is a form of therapy used primarily for children. That’s because children may not be able to process their own emotions or articulate problems to parents or other adults.
A trained therapist can use playtime to observe and gain insights into a child’s problems. The therapist can then help the child explore emotions and deal with unresolved trauma. Through play, children can learn new coping mechanisms and how to redirect inappropriate behaviours.
Play therapy is practised by a variety of licensed mental health professionals, like psychologists and psychiatrists. It’s also practised by behavioural and occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, SNAs and early years practitioners.
Research has found play to be an effective therapeutic medium for children in difficult and challenging circumstances such as family changes, separation and divorce, new schools, chronic illness and even death and dying.
It is a natural means for children to work out difficulties they might face such as making friends, and dealing with excessive anger, fear, sadness, worry and shyness.
Play also helps in dealing with issues emerging from aggression and acting out; school difficulties; abuse and neglect; social adjustment; sleeping and eating difficulties; poor self-concept and low self-esteem; trauma; grief & loss; hospitalisation; and identity.
In this article, we will delve into the concept of play therapy, its benefits, and how it can positively impact children's lives.
Benefits of Play Therapy
1. Emotional Expression and Regulation
Play therapy provides a safe outlet for children to express and process their emotions.
Through play, they can act out and symbolically represent their experiences, enabling them to gain insight, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier ways of coping.
2. Enhancing Communication Skills
Play therapy encourages verbal and non-verbal communication, allowing children to express themselves more effectively.
It helps children build vocabulary, improve articulation, and develop better listening skills, which can positively impact their overall communication abilities.
3. Building Resilience and Self-Esteem
Play therapy fosters resilience by allowing children to confront and overcome challenges in a supportive environment.
Through successful experiences and guided exploration, children develop a sense of competence, boosting their self-esteem and self-confidence.
4. Social and Relationship Skills
Play therapy facilitates the development of essential social skills. Children learn to share, take turns, negotiate, and collaborate with others.
They gain a better understanding of boundaries, empathy, and conflict resolution, leading to healthier relationships with peers and adults.
5. Emotional Healing and Trauma Resolution
For children who have experienced trauma or adverse life events, play therapy offers a powerful tool for healing.
Play therapy helps children to process and make sense of their experiences, reducing the impact of trauma and promoting resilience.
According to the professional organisation Play Therapy International, up to 71% of children referred to play therapy may experience positive change.
While some children might start off with some hesitation, trust in the therapist tends to grow. As they become more comfortable and their bond strengthens, the child may become more creative or more verbal in their play.
Some of the potential benefits of play therapy are:
- taking more responsibility for certain behaviours
- developing coping strategies and creative problem-solving skills
- self-respect
- empathy and respect for others
- alleviation of anxiety
- learning to fully experience and express feelings
- stronger social skills
- stronger family relationships
Play therapy can also encourage the use of language or improve fine and gross motor skills.
When is Play Therapy Used?
Although people of all ages can benefit from play therapy, it’s typically used with children between the ages of 3 and 12. Play therapy may be helpful in a variety of circumstances, such as:
- facing medical procedures, chronic illness, or palliative care
- developmental delay or learning disabilities
- problem behaviours in school
- aggressive or angry behaviour
- family issues, like divorce, separation, or death of a close family member
- natural disasters or traumatic events
- domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
- anxiety, depression, grief
- eating and toileting disorders
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
There can be a communication gap between children and adults. Depending on age and stage of development, children simply don’t have the language skills of adults. They may feel something, but in many cases, they either can’t express it to an adult or don’t have a trusted adult to express it to.
On the other end, adults can misinterpret or completely miss the child’s verbal and nonverbal cues.
Children learn to understand the world and their place in it through play. It’s where they’re free to act out their inner feelings and deepest emotions. Toys can act as symbols and take on greater meaning — if you know what to look for.
Since the child can’t adequately express themselves in the adult world, the therapist joins the child in their world, on their level.
As they play, the child may become less guarded and more apt to share their feelings. But they aren’t pressured. They’re allowed to do so in their own time and with their own method of communication.
Research and Sources
The Association for Play Therapy (APT) is an excellent resource for information on play therapy and its benefits. Their website provides access to research articles, case studies, and training resources.
A study conducted by Bratton et al. (2005) examined the effectiveness of play therapy in reducing behavioural problems and enhancing social skills. The findings indicated significant improvements in both areas among children who received play therapy. (Source: Bratton, S.C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The Efficacy of Play Therapy With Children: A Meta-Analytic Review of Treatment Outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(4), 376-390.)
Landreth, G.L. (2012) authored the book "Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship," which provides valuable insights into the theoretical foundations and practice of play therapy. It explores various play therapy techniques and their effectiveness in supporting children's emotional well-being. (Source: Landreth, G.L. (2012). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship. Routledge.)
In conclusion, play therapy stands as a remarkable and evidence-based therapeutic approach that harnesses the innate power of play to promote children's emotional well-being and growth.
By creating a safe and supportive environment, play therapy enables children to express themselves, develop essential communication skills, enhance their self-esteem, and cultivate healthier social relationships.
As professionals and caregivers, it is crucial to recognise the profound benefits of play therapy and its potential to positively impact the lives of children facing emotional challenges or trauma.
By embracing play therapy, we can provide children with a valuable means of expression, healing, and resilience-building, ultimately supporting their holistic development and well-being.
Get in Contact
If you would like to follow your passion to fulfil your potential and work in the career you want in early years, click here to book a consultation with our Early Years & Montessori advisor, Jennifer Matteazzi.
Call her directly on 01 892 0031 or email jennifer.matteazzi@portobelloinstitute.com.
Visit our Early Years & Montessori department here.
