u003ch2u003eu003cstrongu003eWhat is Play Therapy?u003c/strongu003eu003c/h2u003enu003ch3u003eu003cbu003ePlay Therapyu003c/bu003eu003c/h3u003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ePlay therapy is a behavioral treatment that uses the child’s natural play in a therapeutic setting. It is used to help children who are experiencing difficulties in their mental and/or emotional development, such as anxiety, depression, shyness, and disordered eating (i.e., anorexia or bulimia). Play therapy also helps children with autism spectrum disorder to learn social skills.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eDerived from the work of u003ca href=u0022https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Deweyu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eJohn Deweyu003c/au003e, a philosopher, and educator who believed that play was a fundamental part of human existence. Play therapy involves children acting out their fears, emotions, inhibitions, and conflicts in the context of “play.” In this setting, children are encouraged to express themselves through play; these explorations can help them heal and make sense of their world.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
u003ch3u003eHow Does It Work?u003c/h3u003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003ePlay therapists observe children’s play as it occurs naturally in the therapeutic setting. For example, they may observe children in the context of a story, game, or activity. They may also explore a child’s play through direct eye contact and verbal interpretations about the possibilities in the child’s play.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eSessions usually occur in the play therapist’s office, which is a safe play space. However, the child may also be invited to play at home either in-vivo or virtually to encourage their use of “play” and problem-solving outside of the professional setting.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
u003ch3u003eu003cstrongu003eThe Benefitsu003c/strongu003eu003c/h3u003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThe therapeutic benefits include increased self-esteem, improved ability to cope with anxiety and depression, greater awareness of emotions, and enhanced social skills, leading to greater communication skills with others. In addition, children who participate in play therapy learn to trust others, understand adults, and appreciate the creativity within themselves.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e
u003ch3u003eu003cbu003eSeeking Play Therapyu003c/bu003eu003c/h3u003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eAt u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://washington-psychwellness.com/u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eWashington Psychological Wellnessu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e, our play therapists will collaboratively work with you and your child to develop a personalized and tailored approach to care.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003enu003cpu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eIf you are interested in learning more about how play therapy could benefit your child- u003c/spanu003eu003ca href=u0022https://washington-psychwellness.com/contact/u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003econtact us todayu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003e for a complimentary 15-minute initial consultation! u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e