Play Therapy

I use Play Therapy in my work with children for many reasons. I believe that play allows children to feel more comfortable and to allow for more engagement in the therapy session. It provides an activity for children to focus on rather than having to sit still and only engage in a dialog with their therapist. I have found that children have an easier time becoming invested in the treatment when they find it fun and do not see it simply as “adult talk”. Play Therapy also allows me to witness the child’s behaviors, positive and negative, and gives “real time” opportunities for children to learn to make adjustments to their behaviors. Additionally, I use play to allow for positive interactions between children and their parents, opportunities for modeling of positive parenting techniques, and as a reward for a child’s efforts in therapy sessions. I utilize many games, books, workbooks, toys, and projects as a part of the structured play of the therapy visits.