Thursday, August 3, 2017

What Psychologists Believe About Play Therapy

By George Cooper


It is common for a play therapist to find out that the child is depressed or anxious. Many parents won't dream that their child is suffering from these types of issues. They will probably relate depression and anxiety to that of something that adults go through. Parents may think that their kids are perfectly happy. They may seem to think it is a phase. However, it is often a lot more serious than this. There is no doubt, play therapy has definitely become more and more effective over the years. Many children have benefited from this approach.

Psychologists will often refer parents to someone like this. It is more of a natural approach for the child and they will actually look forward to coming to the sessions and over time they will begin to connect with the therapist. Psychologists find that younger kids especially will progress with these sessions and improve over time. A teenager would be better suited to a one on one sessions where they need to be more verbal.

This type of therapy is often something that the child will look forward. Kids enjoy playing with toys, doing arts and crafts and getting involved with imaginary play. A therapist will allow the child to pick a toy or a game. Over time the child will begin to connect with the therapist in more of a natural way. This will build up the relationship and the child will begin to trust the therapist.

During this time, kids also learn to think more logically. Of course, the thinking process will depend on their stage of life. However, the therapist will encourage this and it can especially be helpful for kids who are more emotional, and therefore vulnerable. This will guide them through life where they are exposed to tough situations. They will begin to make wiser decisions and choices for themselves over time.

When children become more clingy and attached to mom, or when they become withdrawn and prefer to stay away from friends and family, it is best to look into this type of therapy where they are assessed in the most natural way. They are then able to express themselves non-verbally which is often the best way forward. Therapists can tell a lot when the child draws something, for example.

Once the therapist knows what the child is having trouble with, they are able to deal with it. It can be a process. Parents may need to get involved so that they have more knowledge and so that they know how to handle the situation. It is important to know for a parent to give their support, without getting overly involved. The therapist needs to be in charge.

Children realize that they are in a safe environment during these sessions. This increases further trust between them and the therapist. They will learn more about practical skills, such as how to manage their emotions. This can come with time so parents will need to be patience. It is also important that they don't interfere with the process.

A therapist will need to set strict boundaries. Parents also need to know that they can't act as the the therapist in the home environment.




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