What is Play Therapy?
Play is a child’s natural way of expressing themselves, and Play Therapy provides them with the opportunity to “play out” their thoughts, feelings and problems in a non-directed way, in a safe environment with a caring therapist. In a Play Therapy session, the therapist follows the child’s lead and allows them to explore and play.
Why Play Therapy?
For children ages 3-12, Play Therapy is the most developmentally-appropriate approach. Toys act as the child’s words and play is the child’s language. Building on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships, Play Therapy allows children to make their internal world external.
Play Therapy can be effective for children struggling with:
Depression, Anxiety, Aggression, Low Self-Esteem, Behavioral Struggles, Attachment Issues, Trauma, Grief, Learning disabilities, Family Struggles
What happens in a play therapy session?
Children are given the freedom to choose to play in whatever way they like; therefore, play therapy sessions can take many different forms, depending on the individual child.
How long will my child need to attend Play Therapy?
The length of the therapy process depends on each individual child. Most children have experienced growth by 20 weeks, which is also the national average.
At Relationship Enrichment Center in Matthews, NC, we utilize a family systems approach, which means that when a child is engaged in play therapy, the therapist will work with the parents on a monthly basis in parenting sessions. The goal of the parenting sessions is to have a space for the therapist to share themes that are showing up in the play room as well as to offer strategies that the parents can utilize at home to support their child’s therapeutic process.
To get started with play therapy for your child, you can click the start today button below or call our intake coordinator at 704-804-0810.
Contact Us
Click on the button below or fill out the form if you have any questions about working with us!
