Working with younger children, I often choose play therapy as the mode of intervention. I do play therapy based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self-expression. It is an opportunity given to the child to ‘play out’ his or her feelings, start problem solving and begin the healing process.

I will take a complete history of the child followed by a clinical assessment and consultation with the care giver. Based on this information an appropriate treatment modality is chosen. For instance, a directive or non-directive approach may be used, depending on what the situation calls for. In most cases working with young children, the treatment is play-based and child-centered, focusing on the individual needs of the child.

Children dealing with loss

Children caught in the middle of divorce and children who have been abused have all experienced various forms of loss. Through the healing medium of play, they are given the opportunity to express their feelings and understand the events that have taken place. This process offers children new skills to help them deal with their circumstances, move forward and enjoy their childhood.

Play therapy can help children with attachment related problems:

Play therapy is for children, their teachers, Social Workers, and the children’s parents. It is designed to enhance attachment, raise self-esteem, improve trust in others and create joyful engagement. Play therapy is based on the natural patterns of healthy interaction between parent and child, and is personal, physical and fun! Play therapy sessions create an active and empathic connection between the child and the parents, resulting in a changed view of the self as worthy and lovable and of relationships as positive and rewarding.

Children’s situations which may be appropriate for play therapy:

• Children who are dealing with parental conflict, separation or divorce
• Children who have been traumatized (sexual, physical or emotional abuse)
• Children who have been adopted or are in foster care
• Children who are dealing with issues of loss, such as illness or death of a loved one
• Children who have been hospitalized
• Children who have witnessed domestic violence
• Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• Children who have experienced serious accidents or disasters

Positive effects expected from play therapy:

• Reduces anxiety about traumatic events in the child’s life
• Facilitates a child’s expression of feelings
• Promotes self-confidence and a sense of competence
• Develops a sense of trust in self and others
• Defines healthy boundaries
• Creates or enhances healthy bonding in relationships
• Enhances creativity and playfulness
• Promotes appropriate behavior

Specific problems which may be helped by play therapy:

• Excessive anger, worry, sadness or fear
• Aggressive behavior (hurting others or self)
• Separation anxiety
• Excessive shyness
• Behavioral regression
• Low self esteem
• Learning or other school problems
• Sleep, eating or elimination problems
• Preoccupation with sexual behavior
• Difficulty adjusting to family changes
• Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches that have no medical cause

Children’s relationships may be helped with:

• Parents
• Physicians
• Family Lawyers
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Teachers
• Social Workers
• Psychotherapists
• Child Care Workers