WORDS: Renae Plueckhahn, Master of Play Therapy, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Eager to take my learnings and apply it in practice upon completion of my degree, I quickly learnt that Play Therapy services were not readily available in South Australia (this was back in 2018). My solution? To start my own clinic. And Play Therapy SA was born.
What is Play Therapy?
If you have not come across the wonders of play therapy, it is a highly researched, therapeutic approach designed specifically for children. Recognising that children express themselves best through play, this therapy uses the power of play to help children communicate their thoughts, feelings and experiences that might otherwise be difficult to articulate. It’s a safe, secure, and understanding environment where children can play out their emotions and problems, just as adults might ‘talk out’ their issues.
As parents, witnessing your child struggle with emotional and trauma-related issues can be absolutely heart-wrenching. Whilst adults may use counselling to help guide us through difficulties, children can struggle with talk-based methods while their cognitive abilities and verbal skills are developing. Some children just simply find it difficult to articulate their feelings and experiences in a way that adults accept and understand.
This is where Play Therapy comes into play. We believe in the transformative power of play to help children heal, grow, and thrive. This guide aims to demystify play therapy, providing parents with a clear understanding of what it is, how it works, and its numerous benefits.
How does Play Therapy work?
In Play Therapy, we provide children with a playroom – a safe and nurturing space equipped with a variety of toys and creative materials. The playroom is more than just a room; it’s a sanctuary where children can freely express themselves through play. Trained therapists observe and sometimes participate in the child’s play, using specific play therapy techniques to understand the child’s world.
The beauty of Play Therapy lies in its subtlety. Children often don’t even realise they are in therapy. Instead, they see a place where they can be themselves without judgement, which allows them to explore, express, and process their emotions naturally.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Play Therapy is particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma, face emotional challenges, or struggle with behavioural issues. Some of the key benefits include:
- Enhanced Emotional Expression: Children learn to express and understand their feelings more effectively.
- Improved Behaviour: Play Therapy helps address behavioural issues by uncovering underlying emotional or psychological causes.
- Trauma Healing: It provides a safe space for children to work through traumatic experiences.
- Development of Coping Skills: Children learn new ways of thinking and coping with different situations.
- Increased Self-Esteem: Through play, children gain a greater sense of self and confidence.
Who Can Benefit from Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is versatile and beneficial for children aged 2 to 12 years, dealing with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:
- Trauma and loss
- Anxiety and depression
- Behavioural problems
- Struggles related to diagnoses such as autism or ADHD
- Family disruptions, like divorce
- Social and emotional difficulties
5 reasons why it’s effective
- The psychology of play: Understanding a child’s world
From a psychological standpoint, play is essential to a child’s development. Through play, children learn to interact with their world, understand social norms, and develop cognitive skills. Jean Piaget, a renowned developmental psychologist, emphasised that play is integral to children’s cognitive development. It is through play that children learn to process information, solve problems, and make sense of their experiences.
- Expressive language of play
For children, particularly those under 12, verbal expression of complex emotions and experiences can be challenging. Play Therapy utilises this non-verbal language of play as a medium for expression. The toys and materials in a play therapy session become the child’s words, and their play becomes their language. This form of expression is far more natural and comfortable for a child, allowing them to communicate in a way that is most intuitive to them.
- Neuroscience and Play Therapy
Recent advances in neuroscience have shed light on the impact of play on the brain. Engaging in play activates multiple areas of the brain, including those responsible for motor skills, social-emotional learning, and language development. For children who have experienced trauma, play therapy can be particularly beneficial. It can help rewire the brain by creating new neural pathways, a process known as neuroplasticity, and can aid in the healing process by providing a safe space to process traumatic events.
- Attachment and relationship building
Play therapy also plays a crucial role in building and strengthening the therapist-child therapeutic relationship. This therapeutic alliance is crucial as it provides the child with a sense of safety and trust. Attachment theory, propounded by John Bowlby, highlights the importance of a secure relationship for healthy emotional and social development. In Play Therapy, the consistent, empathetic presence of the therapist helps foster this sense of security.
- Holistic development through play
Play therapy supports holistic emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. It helps children:
- Develop social skills and improved behaviour.
- Gain emotional resilience and coping mechanisms.
- Enhance communication and language abilities.
- Boost self-esteem and confidence.
Recognising that children express themselves best through play, this therapy uses the power of play to help children communicate their thoughts, feelings and experiences that might otherwise be difficult to articulate.
How to choose the right Play Therapist
Selecting a therapist for your child is a crucial decision. At Play Therapy SA, our therapists are highly trained and experienced in providing play therapy. They have a deep understanding of child development and are skilled at creating a therapeutic relationship with each and every child.
As a parent, your role in your child’s play therapy journey is pivotal. While the therapy itself takes place between the therapist and your child, your support and understanding of the process is vital. Remember, play therapy is a journey – one where your child can navigate through their challenges in a way that’s natural and intuitive for them.
Funding
If you’re worried about funding Play Therapy, Renae, Play Therapy SA’s director founded a charity for this exact reason! If your child doesn’t have access to funding such as NDIS you can apply to receive a full block of play therapy for free, Australia wide. Read more about the charity here: www.playtherapyfoundation.org.au
About Play Therapy SA
Play Therapy SA is a leading child therapy centre specialising in Play Therapy for children aged 2-10. With a team of highly trained and compassionate therapists, they are dedicated to supporting children’s emotional and psychological well-being through the power of play. Located in five locations across greater Adelaide, the clinics serves families across the state, offering a beacon of hope and healing for children facing various challenges. More info can be found on our website www.playtherapysa.com.au
Introducing elements of Play Therapy at home
Reflecting feelings
When your child is showing that they are frustrated, angry or even happy, reflect what you see instead of asking a question. For example, instead of asking “Are you angry?” as your child throws their cup away and yells, mirror your child’s emotions with a statement: “You’re so angry right now.” This approach meets children where they are cognitively and validates their feelings, creating a sense of understanding. It’s a simple yet powerful shift that can diffuse heightened emotions. You may find your child more willing to verbalise their emotions, like anger or frustration, rather than acting them out.
Encouragement vs praise
Reduce praise and increase connecting with encouragement statements. Encouragement focuses on the effort and process, while praise often zeros in on your evaluation of the child’s end product. For instance, saying “You worked so hard on building that tower!” emphasises the value of their dedication, irrespective of whether the tower stands tall or tumbles. It fosters resilience and a growth mindset, teaching children that their worth is not tied to success or failure or whether you thought it was ‘good’ or ‘bad’. This subtle distinction can bolster their confidence and encourage them to embrace challenges with a positive attitude.
30 minute special play time
Connection is everything when it comes to working out why your child is having a hard time. No matter what is going on, if you set a timer once a week for play time, everything feels better in your child’s life. During this play time, allow your child to fully be in the lead, use phrases such as ‘you’ve got a plan for what we’re going to play’ and when they give you a role to play, fully immerse yourself as that character, there is no right or wrong way for your child to play!
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