05/08/2022
I have put together a list of some frequently asked questions for you :)
1) What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a way of helping children cope with their distress, express their emotions and make sense of their lives using play and the creative arts. Play therapists use various media including storytelling, puppet play, drama, music, dance, sand play, painting, drawing and feelings at a conscious or unconscious level. It gives them a strategy for coping on their own when support may not be available.
In general, it is a non-talking therapy. On average, children only talk for 8% of each session. Unlike adults, many children cannot or do not want to talk about these difficulties. They don’t have the words to describe how they feel or what they are thinking and so they express themselves through play. Toys is to child what talking is to the adult. Toys are used like words by children, and play is their language.
2) How does Play Therapy work?
When adults share their problems, they feel better afterwards. The same is true for children. When they are provided with a therapeutic space by the play therapist, they feel better because their feelings have been released. In play therapy, children use art, music, drama, sand and other play therapy tools as a way of expressing themselves.
One of the main reasons why play therapy works with children is because it feels natural to them. Play is not something they need to learn how to do. They don’t need to have a cognitive, conscious understanding. They can explore and express through play.
3) What are the main benefits of Play Therapy?
• Improves emotional wellbeing of the child.
• Enables the full potential of the child.
• Better able to cope in difficult emotional situations.
• Learning to fully experience and express feelings.
• Taking more responsibilities for certain behaviours.
• Develops self-respect and empathy.
• Alleviation of anxiety.
• Prevention of psychological problems being carried over to
adulthood.
4) Who can play therapy benefit?
Play therapy can be helpful in a variety of circumstances such as:
• Aggression or angry behaviour
• Attachment issues
• A lack of self-esteem & confidence
• Adjustment issues
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Bed wetting
• Nightmares
5) How long does play therapy last?
To begin, we would contract for a minimum of twelve sessions for effecting, significant and lasting improvement. It would be decided between parents and myself as the therapist if more than twelve sessions are needed. If a child has already worked with the therapist and are returning for some top up sessions, then they may make progress in a smaller time frame.
6) How often do children attend play therapy sessions?
Sessions take place on the same day and time weekly
7) What age does my child have to be to attend play therapy?
Play Therapy is most effective in children ages 4 to 12 years.
If you have any other questions or want to know more about play therapy you can message me here, call/text 0858699105 or email hartplaytherapy22@gmail.com.
