The Language of Play Therapy

Children naturally use play as a compelling form of communication. This is where Play Therapy can help!.

While providing access to a very powerful language, Play therapy provides a way of being with the child and honors their unique developmental level.  It also looks for ways of connecting to the child and helping them using the “language of play”.  Play therapists are trained to be able to recognize and understand children using play.

Billie-Jo uses play to help her young clients, most often children ages three to twelve years, to better express themselves and works with them to allow the child to resolve their difficulties.

First of all, a safe relationship must be created between the therapist and client because Play allows the client to freely and naturally express both what pleases and bothers them.

Children often don’t have the verbalization skills to articulate their worries and upsets. Children have immature defense strategies which prevents them from facing their yucky feelings and upsets directly. For a young child who experienced a traumatic event before their language skills were developed,  the event would be encoded somatically inside their body, without words to describe it. A great video called “Introducing Andrew” provides an overview of the concept.

The Power of Play!

Play is used as a primary intervention and also a supportive therapy because of its proven effectiveness.

The Power of Play Therapy!

Play Therapy is helpful for children struggling with the following issues…

* Anger management
* Grief and loss
* Divorce, Separation and Abandonment
* Crisis and Trauma
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD)
* Academic and social developmental
* Physical and learning disabilities
* Conduct disorders
* Abuse and Neglect
* Self esteem
* Emotional dysregulation

This therapy is a research proven, effective mental health approach. Regardless of age, gender, or the nature of the problem. It works best when a parent, family member, or caretaker is actively involved in the treatment process.

Got questions about play therapy?  Ask Billie-Jo using our contact form.