Research shows that when children are struggling, having a strong and supportive significant relationship with an adult can greatly improve a child’s self-esteem and resiliency. While children are greatly impacted and affected by family, teachers, and friends, the play therapist has an important role in a child’s healing and provides an objective view that many family members do not have.What Happens in Play Therapy?

Prior to beginning play therapy, the therapist will meet with the parent(s) to learn about the child and family. During this time, the Play Therapy process is discussed and the parents and therapist will begin a relationship working together to best support the child.

Following this initial session with the parents, the child will begin therapy. Each session is around 45 minutes followed by a 10-15 minute phone call or in person meeting with the parent(s).

During the sessions, there are a wide variety of toys available to encourage the child to express their emotions and struggles. Children use a wide variety of styles to facilitate expression such as art, sand play, dramatic play, and fantasy play. Children will choose toys to represent their feelings and recreate the issues they are struggling with. Because play therapy is child directed, children can create therapeutic play at their developmental level and choose an appropriate pace to explore their struggles.

The respectful and supportive relationship with the play therapist helps foster a sense of security when recreating emotionally stressful experiences. Through the Play Therapy process, the child learns healthy expression of their emotions and needs. The child’s play evolves to where the child gains empowerment and comfort in the issue they have struggled with and reestablishes a sense of balance and wellbeing.