Play Therapy: What Parents and Guardians Need to Know

When seeking therapy for their children, many parents and guardians encounter the term “play therapy.” Understanding what it entails and how it differs from other therapeutic approaches can help in making an informed decision about their child’s emotional and developmental needs. This article explores key points that parents and guardians should consider when inquiring about play therapy, and how to explain it to their children.

What Should Parents/Guardians Look for When Inquiring About Play Therapy?

When considering play therapy for a child, parents and guardians should keep several important factors in mind:

1. Credentials and Experience of the Therapist: It’s crucial to ensure that the therapist is a licensed professional with specialized training in play therapy. Look for certifications such as Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or those with a background in child psychology. A trained therapist will be equipped to understand the complexities of child development and use play as a therapeutic tool effectively.
2. Approach to Therapy: Different therapists may utilize various techniques, such as non-directive play therapy (focused on letting the child express themselves freely) or directive play therapy (where the therapist guides the play to address specific issues). Ask the therapist to explain their approach to ensure it aligns with your child’s needs.
3. Comfort with the Therapeutic Environment: The play therapy room should be designed to be inviting and safe, with age-appropriate toys, art materials, and activities that promote self-expression and creativity. The environment plays a significant role in helping children feel comfortable and willing to engage in the process.
4. Parent-Child Communication: It’s beneficial if the therapist encourages collaboration between the child and their parents. Some play therapists may offer regular check-ins to discuss progress or provide strategies for reinforcing the therapy at home.
5. Goals of Therapy: Discuss the expected outcomes of play therapy. Whether it’s to address behavioral challenges, emotional regulation, trauma, or social skills, understanding the goals and how progress will be measured is essential for parents to gauge the effectiveness of therapy.

What Differentiates Play Therapy from Play-Based Therapy?

While the terms “play therapy” and “play-based therapy” may sound similar, they serve distinct purposes:

• Play Therapy: This is a structured therapeutic approach where trained professionals use play as a medium for children to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It allows the child to work through emotional struggles or trauma in a safe, non-verbal way. Play therapy is often used for children who have difficulty verbalizing their emotions, especially those dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues.
• Play-Based Therapy: Play-based therapy refers to a broader approach where play is used as a means of engaging children in a therapeutic process, but it may not necessarily be led by a licensed therapist. It often incorporates play within the context of more general child development and learning, rather than focusing on emotional healing. For example, educators may use play-based therapy in school settings to support social skills development or early childhood education.

In essence, play therapy is a specific, therapist-guided process designed for emotional healing, while play-based therapy is a broader term referring to the use of play in various child-focused interventions, including education.

How Can Parents/Guardians Explain Play Therapy to Their Children?

Explaining play therapy to children requires careful consideration of their developmental stage and emotional needs. Here’s a simple approach to explaining it:

1. Keep It Simple: For younger children, use language they can understand. You might say, “You’re going to a special place where you get to play with toys, art supplies, and games. The person there will help you feel better if you’re feeling sad or upset, and will listen to what you have to say through your play.”
2. Focus on the Positive: Frame play therapy as a fun, safe space to express feelings. Reassure your child that the therapist is there to help them work through problems, just like a coach helping someone get better at a sport.
3. Normalize the Experience: Let them know that therapy is a normal part of growing up and that many children go to therapy to get help with things that are bothering them.
4. Be Supportive: Encourage your child to be open with the therapist and let them know it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure. Let them know that they can stop or take a break whenever they need.

By simplifying the explanation and focusing on the positive aspects of play therapy, parents can help their children feel more comfortable and open to the experience.

What Is the Difference Between Play Therapy and Talk Therapy?

For children, verbal communication is not always the most effective way to process emotions. This is where play therapy differs significantly from talk therapy:

• Play Therapy: Play therapy involves the child using toys, art materials, and activities to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Since children often struggle to express themselves verbally, this non-verbal method allows them to work through emotions in a way that feels natural and engaging. Play therapy is often used for younger children (ages 3-12) or children with trauma, anxiety, or behavioral issues.
• Talk Therapy: Also known as psychotherapy or counseling, talk therapy involves the verbal exchange between a therapist and a client. This approach is more suited for older children, adolescents, and adults who are able to engage in meaningful verbal communication. In talk therapy, the therapist helps the client process their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through conversation.

While both therapies aim to support emotional well-being, play therapy is specifically tailored for younger children or those who need alternative methods to express themselves. Talk therapy, on the other hand, relies on verbal communication and is typically more appropriate for older children or those who are comfortable with discussing their emotions and thoughts directly.

Play therapy is a highly effective approach for children to express and work through their emotions in a safe, non-threatening way. By understanding the key differences between play therapy, play-based therapy, and talk therapy, parents and guardians can make more informed decisions about their child’s needs. Furthermore, with the right guidance, parents can help their children feel comfortable and supported in therapy, ensuring the best possible therapeutic outcome for their emotional growth and well-being.

If you are interested in learning more about play therapy and/or booking this type of service, please feel free to contact us at 403-245-5981 or intake@rmpsychservices.com.We would love to talk with you and answer your questions.