“It is in the playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, it is only in being creative that the individual discovers Self.”
~ D.W. Winnicott
In essence, play therapy relies on the child’s natural language of play to communicate and facilitate healing. It is much easier for children to express themselves through play rather than sitting on a couch and talking as an adult. Rather than just playing, trained play therapists utilize resources such as carefully selected toys, art, puppets, dolls, play-doh, therapeutic games and books, and sand tray to work through issues and help children heal. An important aspect of play therapy is helping children learn that all feelings are okay by allowing a safe non-threatening way to express their feelings, beliefs, concerns, and thoughts. It also focuses on teaching children self-regulation and healthy coping skills. Through play therapy, children can learn to overcome challenges, resolve emotional and behavioral issues, develop a sense of mastery, and increase self-esteem. In addition, it targets the inherent ego-centrism of children to help them understand that they are not responsible or at fault for things outside of their control.
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About Kimberly Rodgers, LCSW, RPT-S
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