Play Therapy is a psychotherapy method that uses playing as a tool to resolve children’s difficulties. The play therapist tool kit combines therapeutic tools like art, music, movement, sand play and more. Play Therapy believes in the power of healing that exist inside every child.

The Importance of Playing
Playing is the natural communication media for children. All around the world, in any culture, children will play if they will get the opportunity to do so. Children learn about the surrounding world through play, how to communicate in a non-verbal way, learn to build relationship with others and cope in different situations.

Therapeutic play takes the advantages of playing and uses it to promote and foster children with emotional, social and behaviour difficulties. Via playing children get the opportunity to ‘play out’ their feelings, express themselves in a non-directive way. This will lead to some reveal and heal of the unconsciousness[1].

“You can discover more about a human being in an hour of PLAY than a year of conversation” Plato (428-347 B.C)

Play Therapy Origin
The first record of Play Therapy was done in 1919. In the 20th century, some of the most known psychologists used playing as a part of their practice with children (e.g. Anna Freud, Melanie Klein). They argued that play could reveal unconscious processes; they also asserted that playing for children is similar to free association used with adult therapy[2].

Virginia Axline, who followed Carl Rogers “Person Center” approach, founded the modern Play Therapy; she established 8 principles that are the core of the therapeutic play method (e.g. accepting the child as he is, establishing a feeling of permissiveness, reflecting back)[3].

Play Therapy in Action
Play Therapy is a non-directive, non-judgmental and a non-interpretive therapy; the child will be motivated to choose what and how he wants to use within the boundaries of safety. The therapist will follow the child, reflect and reframe. He will respond to child’s request to enact together and guide him to work on his issues and empower him toward resolution.

The Play Therapy tool-kit is based on the Holistic Child Approach, and was carefully selected after the therapeutic abilities were proven[4]. The tool kit includes:

• Clay
  
• Art Materials
  
• Sand play
• Puppets and Masks
• Drama dressing up
• Music Instruments
• Dance & Movement
• Creative Visualizations
• Storytelling (written by Therapist)

 

Why Play Therapy works?

Neuroscience evidence shows that playing release “good hormones” (e.g. endorphin and oxytocin) in the human brain. These hormones inflict ‘happier’ feeling, reduce aggressiveness and anxiety, brings a calmer mood, openness to learn and have a better sense of well-being. With guidance and support by a trained play therapist, a positive use of the therapeutic tools in a safe environment, will create new connections in the brain that lead to behavioural change[5].

Who can benefit from Therapeutic Play?
Play therapy is ideal for children between 4 to 14 years old who shows emotional, social and conduct difficulties.

Examples of difficulties that Play Therapy can assist:

• Anger issues
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Communication Problems
• ADHD
• Social Exclusion
• Under Performing (academically, socially, culturally)
• Bereavement / Loss
• Attachment Issues
• Behaviour Issues
• Separated / Divorced parents
• Bullied / Bullies
• Delayed Development
• Bedwetting
• Abuse (emotional, physical, sexual)
• Nightmares
• Trauma
• Withdrawn Personality

Play Therapy effectiveness:
Over 100,000 cases analysed by PTUK showed a positive change for 75% of children. In Singapore positive change has been shown for 81% of children[6].

How to get started with Play Therapy?

1. If any concern had been raised, a referral to play therapist can be made. The therapist will meet the parent to share their concerns and desired outcomes from therapy.
2. Parent (and teacher if possible) will be asked to fill in a “Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire”(SDQ) to demonstrate current difficulties and pro-social behaviour of the child[7].
3. A minimum of 12 sessions is suggested (45 minutes, once a week). A mid-review with parent will take place every after 8 sessions. Based on the child’s progress, a decision will be made whether to continue or finalise the therapy.

Close relationship and collaboration with the parent and the teacher is strongly advised. By working together, the child will be seen as a whole, he will be better supported and has higher chances to accomplish a change.

 

 

To empower children with difficulties and support their inner-core growth,
Play Therapy will be an effective intervention option.

Let’s Play Therapy!

 

 

 

 

References:

[1] McMahon, L. 2007. The Handbook of Play Therapy. London and New York: Routledge

[2] Barnes, A. M. 2013. The Healing Path with Children, 3^rd Edition. Uckfield, England: The Play Therapist Press Limited, The Coach House

[3] Axline, V. 1974. Play Therapy, 2^nd Edition. A Ballantine Book, the Random House Publication Group

[4] Barnes, M. (2013)

[5] PTUK. 2007. The Application of Neuroscience on Play Therapy. ‘Play for Life’ Journal. Summer ed.

[6] Thomas, J. 2015. How effective is Play Therapy. ‘Play for Life’ Journal. Autumn ed.

[7] Goodman’s “Strength and Difficulties questionnaire”