About Play Therapy
What is play therapy?
Play therapy is the most effective way to help children solve problems or worries.
"Birds fly, fish swim, children play." Children receive play therapy just as adults receive counseling. "Play" is the most natural way for children to communicate. Play therapy uses "play" to allow them to express feelings that are difficult to express in words through toys.
What is the function of the play?
In play, children can vent their energy, develop a sense of responsibility in life, learn to solve problems, and relieve depressed emotions. In play, children reorganize their life experiences, express their emotional needs, regulate their emotions in a socially acceptable way, and learn skills in getting along with others.
What can children learn from play therapy?
In play therapy, children can express their feelings and needs, improve their behavior, and develop problem-solving skills through play, toys, and art supplies.
Which children are suitable for play therapy?
Children of all ages can benefit from play therapy. Play therapy is particularly effective for children with emotional problems, behavioral problems, social difficulties, and learning difficulties.
How does play therapy work?
In play therapy, the therapist strives to create an atmosphere conducive to building a relationship with the child. Therapists care about everything children do, sincerely accept children's feelings and behaviors expressed in play, and help them understand their difficulties more clearly and find solutions.
What is a play?
Play is the most important activity in childhood and can occur at any time and anywhere. Children can play without being taught, and there is never any need to force play. Play occurs naturally and brings happiness; play is voluntary and does not serve any purpose.
Why do children need play?
The United Nations' declaration that "play is an indispensable right for children around the world" has clearly emphasized the importance of play for children's natural development and integration.
What's in the playroom?
The toys and materials in the playroom have been carefully selected to serve as a medium for children to express themselves during play therapy. Toys can be roughly divided into three types: toys for real life, toys for venting emotions and toys for expressing creativity.
What does a play therapist do?
Play therapists are fully devoted to children's inner world. In an atmosphere of care, respect and freedom, play therapists will help children express their feelings and reorganize their inner world through play.
What can parents and teachers do during play therapy?
Parents and teachers can be good partners in play therapy. They can provide the therapist with useful information that helps the therapist understand the child's life outside of the playroom. This information allows the therapist to be more sensitive and understanding of the child, thus facilitating the development of the therapeutic relationship.