“Play is the child’s symbolic language of self-expression and can reveal (a) what the child has experienced; (b) reactions to what was experienced; (c) feelings about what was experienced; (d) what the child wishes, wants, or needs; and (e) the child’s perception of self.”

― Garry L. Landreth, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship

Play is generally therapeutic, especially when it involves a trusted, loving adult. In play therapy, the materials, space, and therapist are all highly attuned to the child’s needs to provide an environment specifically designed to facilitate healing. On the surface, many play therapy activities may appear to mirror every-day play. However, my training prepares me to notice and encourage the healing processes in the background to amplify the benefits of play. I think about it kind of like walking v.s. going to a physical therapist for a specific muscular concern. Walking is great! But when paired with consistent, target-focused treatment, the benefits increase exponentially.

Every item in the playroom is carefully selected for a specific therapeutic purpose. Toys are chosen for their capacity for open-ended play without limiting the child’s self-expression or freedoms. Children engage in a variety of play types (nurturing, role play, symbolic, etc) and all require specific tools. You may notice some familiar favorites like a dollhouse, toy cars, or crayons. There are also some surprises like a magic wand or a cash register. Each toy is considered a tool for the child to use in their self-expression. Play is a child’s natural language and their words are the toys.

I specifically use child-centered play therapy (CCPT) as my primary approach. CCPT creates space for the child to lead the session and decide what materials and topics they are ready for. Through this freedom, the child often unintentionally uses the materials to project their thoughts and feelings. These projections facilitate processing and healing. In the CCPT approach, the child is not pressured to act a certain way to please adults, talk about a specific event, or do a specific activity. They can freely exist exactly as they are and experience unconditional acceptance.

My role is create to a safe environment for the child to be exactly who they are without judgement or pressure. Each moment of session is decided by the client’s needs. Sometimes, the child will invite me to experience their world first hand through cooperative play. Other times, the child prefers to have me observe their self-expression and use the intervention of “tracking” to follow along. When appropriate, I may use a more directive approach when it matches the client’s personality and preferences.

Play therapy is designed for children ages 2-18, but can be enjoyed by anyone! Children who have experienced trauma or haven’t responded well to other forms of “talk therapy” may benefit from the unique approach of play therapy. It doesn’t use endless questions to pressure the child into talking about their experiences, but instead invites them to use the play materials to live out their thoughts and feelings in real time in a safe environment. Play therapy is not recommended for telehealth or for children who are highly aggressive or are under the age of 2.

The Registered Play Therapist TM (RPT) credential is supplied by the national Association for Play Therapy. Earning this credential requires extensive additional training and supervision under a Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor (RPT-S). In addition to being a licensed therapist in my state, I completed a minimum of 150 hours of additional play-therapy education and 50 hours of supervision.

This credential signifies that I am equipped to provide high-quality play therapy services.

Association for Play Therapy Website: https://www.a4pt.org/