What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes different structures of play as a means of communication and expression for individuals, most commonly children, who may be facing emotional, behavioral, or psychological challenges. It is based on the understanding that play is a natural and essential part of learning and development, as well as can serve as a powerful tool for healing and growth.

In play therapy, a trained and qualified therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where people can engage in various forms of play, such as pretend play, art, storytelling, or games. Through these play activities, the therapist and client(s) can work towards establishing a therapeutic relationship, gain insights, and facilitate self-expression and exploration.

Not everyone fits in the traditional talk therapy box. Play in the therapy space provides a non-threatening and less direct path to self expression. The therapist observes and interacts during play, providing guidance, support, and appropriate interventions when needed.

Play therapy can help individuals address a wide range of topics including but not limited to: trauma, anxiety, depression, social skill development, healthy communication, and conflict resolution. Play promotes emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, self-esteem, and resilience.

What are the benefits?

1. Emotional expression and regulation: Play is an outlet for expressing emotions, thoughts, and experiences while reducing stress and tension. When families and couples play together they can overcome emotional barriers within their relationships. Emotional well-being and coping strategies are developed and enhanced through play. 

2. Communication and interpersonal skills: Play therapy helps individuals develop and improve healthy communication and social skills. It provides an opportunity to practice problem-solving, negotiation, and cooperation, which are essential for healthy relationships and interactions with others. For families and couples, play provides a neutral space to practice conflict resolution skills by allowing opportunities to role play relationship repair and self advocacy.

3. Empathy and understanding: Empathy and understanding towards others can develop through play as well as the ability to explore different perspectives, take on different roles, and promote a deeper understanding of one another. 

4. Trauma focused: Play therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma. It provides a safe, non-invasive space to process and make sense of traumatic experiences, reducing the impact of trauma symptoms and promoting healing.

5. Self-esteem and confidence: Engaging in play boosts self-esteem and confidence. As individuals explore and succeed in various play activities, they develop a sense of competence and mastery, which positively impacts their self-perception.

6. Critical thinking: Play therapy encourages imaginative play, which aids in the development of problem-solving and decision-making skills as well as provides the ability to experiment with different scenarios, explore consequences, and practice making choices. Through play, we can symbolically represent and work through these challenges, gaining new insights and finding potential solutions.

7.  Strengthening relationships through cooperation and teamwork: Playing together provides opportunities to engage in collaboration with shared experiences while fostering a sense of closeness and trust. When families and couples engage in play together cooperation and teamwork is experienced which strengthens bonds and connections.

8. Strengthening parenting skills: Play therapy can also help parents develop effective parenting strategies and techniques. Through play, parents can learn to understand their child's needs, set appropriate boundaries, and enhance their parenting skills all while accessing a creative space for communication to occur.

What are some types of play therapy?

1. Sandplay: This activity involves using a tray of sand and miniature figures or objects to create scenes or stories. It allows individuals to express and explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences symbolically.

2. Art therapy: Art-based activities, such as drawing, painting, or sculpting, can be incorporated into play therapy. These activities provide a creative outlet for self-expression and can help individuals process their feelings and experiences.

3. Puppet play: Using puppets or dolls, individuals can act out scenarios or engage in role-playing. This activity allows them to explore different perspectives, express emotions, and practice social skills.

4. Therapeutic games: Various board games and card games are frequently adapted for therapeutic purposes. These games can help individuals develop problem-solving skills, practice turn-taking, and learn to cope with winning or losing.

5. Imaginative play: Encouraging individuals to engage in imaginative and improv play, such as pretending to be different characters or creating imaginary worlds, can foster creativity, self-expression, and emotional exploration.

6. Sensory play: Activities that involve sensory experiences, such as playing with clay, sand, slime, water, or sensory bins with a variety of textures/materials, can help individuals regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and enhance self-awareness.

7. Storytelling and narrative play: Using books, storytelling, or creating narratives through play can help individuals explore and make sense of their experiences, as well as develop language and communication skills.

What’s the first step?

It's important to note that the choice of play therapy activities should be based on the individual's age, interests, and therapeutic goals. A trained play therapist can assess the individual's needs and select appropriate activities to support their therapeutic journey. Krystle Hanewicz is the only trained play therapist currently at Small Victories. You can find certified play therapists on the Association for Play Therapy website.