Play Therapy in Middlesex, NJ
Play Therapy is an evidenced based form of treatment typically used with children ages 3-12 but can be used with individuals of all ages. Research shows that play is crucial for a child’s development. Children communicate their experiences, thoughts, and feelings through play. It is a natural medium for them and its is developmentally appropriate.
Play is the best means for a therapist to build a relationship with a child. The Play Therapist provides the child with carefully selected materials to be able to fully express themselves and explore. These materials include: puppets, therapeutic books, therapeutic games (bibliotherapy), blocks, sand, miniature figures, dolls, music, art supplies, musical instruments, etc.
It may feel threatening for a child to express their feelings directly, but play provides the child with an ability to project their feelings onto toys that they have selected. Often children do not possess the verbal language to express themselves. Through play, children express their wishes, wants, needs and the perceptions of themselves and the world. Play provides children with the opportunity to express repressed thoughts and feelings.
Play gives children the feeling of being in control to experiences they may feel they have no control over. It provides children with safety as children are usually not cognitively aware that they are playing out their experiences unless they are trying to show the therapist something that they have done. Play Therapy helps children explore their relationships, develop respect, learn healthy ways to express their emotions, develop self-efficacy, resolve conflicts and develop coping strategies.
TYPES OF PLAY THERAPY
Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this approach, the child takes the lead in the play session, choosing the toys and activities they want to engage in. The child therapist provides a non-judgmental and supportive presence, allowing the child to express themselves freely.
Directive Play Therapy
This type of therapy involves the therapist guiding the child or adult’s play in a more structured way. The Play Therapist may use specific games or activities to address the child or adult’s particular issues or concerns.
Trauma Play Therapy
This is a form of therapy that uses play as a way for children or adults to express their feelings and thoughts about traumatic experiences in a safe and non-threatening way. It aims to provide a supportive environment for children and adults to process their trauma, develop coping skills, and build resiliency. The therapist follows the child or adult’s lead and helps them develop a sense of empowerment and control over their experiences.
Sandtray Therapy
This type of therapy involves the use of a tray filled with sand and miniature objects. Children and adults can create their own scenes in the sand, using the objects to represent their experiences and emotions.
Expressive Arts Play Therapy
This approach incorporates various forms of creative expression, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, to help children and adults communicate and process their emotions.
Narrative Play Therapy
In this approach, the Play Therapist uses storytelling to help the child or adult explore their experiences and emotions. The child or adult may create their own story or work with the therapist to co-create a story.
Gestalt Play Therapy
This approach focuses on the present moment and encourages the child or adult to become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations. The Play Therapist may use activities such as role-playing or movement to help the child and adult connect with their emotions and develop self-awareness.
Integrative Play Therapy
This approach combines different play therapy techniques to create an individualized treatment plan for the child or adult. The Registered Play Therapist may draw from various modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or humanistic approaches to best meet the child or adult’s needs.
Mindfulness-based Play Therapy
This approach incorporates mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and body awareness into Play Therapy sessions. The Play Therapist may use activities that encourage the child or adult to focus on the present moment and develop self-regulation skills.
Digital Play Therapy
This form of therapy combines traditional play therapy techniques with digital tools such as games, virtual reality, and other interactive media. It provides a safe and engaging space for children and adults to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through play, while also leveraging the benefits of technology to enhance the therapeutic process. Digital play therapy can be particularly effective for children and adults who are more comfortable with technology or who have difficulty engaging in traditional talk therapy.
Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT)
This type of therapy that focuses on improving the relationship between a child and their parent or caregiver. Parents or caregivers are trained to use play therapy techniques to enhance their relationship with their child. Through play, the parent and child learn to communicate and connect with each other in a more positive and healthy way.
Family Play Therapy
This is type of therapy that involves the whole family in the therapeutic process, using play as a means of communication and healing. During family play therapy sessions, family members engage in structured play activities, such as games, crafts, and storytelling, which are designed to facilitate communication, emotional expression, and problem-solving.The goal of family play therapy is to improve family relationships, promote emotional regulation, and reduce conflict and stress within the family.
WHAT DOES PLAY THERAPY HELP WITH?
Play Therapy is effective in addressing depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and stressor related disorders, disruptive disorders, impulse control disorders, oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, neurodevelopmental differences (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tic Disorder, etc.), school related problems, grief/loss, divorce, social issues, aggression, anger management, etc.
*Video created by the Association for Play Therapy
*Video created by the Association for Play Therapy