Child-Centered Play Therapy

The Art of Emotion is a team of certified and trained play therapists who use an evidence-based, integrative approach to help children thrive emotionally through Child-Centered Play Therapy. Child-Centered Play Therapy is a therapeutic technique used with children that helps them express their feelings and thoughts in a way that is natural for them and best suited for their developmental level. Play is the first language of children; therefore, instead of expecting children to talk like adults during a session, play therapy allows them to communicate through the art of play. 

Play therapy is helpful for children from age 3 through teens who are experiencing changes in their behaviors, emotions, or self-esteem, or who have experienced significant life adjustments or trauma. This could look like an overly anxious child who constantly worries about school, friends, or safety, a child who seems excessively sad or mad regularly, or a child who has difficulty making friends.

Throughout the play therapy session, the trained therapist may use figurines, toys, sand, dolls, art, and creative dramatics to help the child express emotions and learn coping skills to manage emotional or behavioral stress and/or trauma. Allowing children to play in a safe environment with a trained play therapist helps them cope more adaptively, learn ways to make healthier decisions, and work through the emotional and/or behavioral stress they may be experiencing.

How Parents can explain Play Therapy to their Child

Explain to your child that they are coming to see someone called a counselor to help them feel better (about school, friends…)/feel less sad/feel less angry, etc. Explain that they are coming to a new place where they will have a social playtime. They will be able to play with the different toys in the room; sometimes they may play, talk, or do both. Inform your child that the counselor may speak with your child or your dad before, after, or at other times. Explain to your child that if they have any questions, you will be there with them to ask me together.

What Parents can do to help their Child Succeed in Play Therapy

Play therapy sessions are a sacred and private time for children. We want your child to feel safe to express themselves in whatever way they can. Allow your child to talk with you about their session if they would like. Sometimes, Play Therapy is not "fun"; it is work, just as it would be in a therapy session. Parents should use reflective statements if their child chooses to share about their play therapy session, such as "wow, it seems like you really worked hard today," or "you have a lot to share with me today about your play therapy time!" This will allow your child to feel like they are making accomplishments and are not simply trying to please others by saying the right thing.  

Play Therapy has been found helpful for many different issues, including

• Family problems (e.g., parental separation or divorce, sibling problems)
• Victims of child abuse or other types of trauma
• Anxiety problems
• Adoption 
• Depression in Children and Teens
• Children who have developmental delays
• Children who have learning disabilities
• Social issues
• Bedwetting