Before discussing play therapy, it is important to look at how children differ from adults. The ability to think and talk about ourselves, and our feelings, is a process that takes into adulthood to complete. Children are not yet able to express themselves verbally about what’s happening in their lives and how they are feeling about it. They communicate through play, they practice being grown-up (think of the hours you may have spent as a child playing house or fireman, etc.), and work out concerns they have, and express their joy in being alive. In addition, play allows the child to keep a comfortable distance from problems by talking about what’s happening with the toys rather than themselves. Children also usually enjoy the process.
Play therapy is a group of several techniques that allows a trained therapist to “hear” a child by watching and relating to her as she plays. It is through the understanding of what symbols children use that a trained therapist can assess how the child is experiencing her world and how to help her get a clearer understanding of events, identify and deal with feelings, and make choices that can lead to more fulfilling outcomes.
If your child has experienced a difficult transition (e.g. parents’ divorce, death of a loved one, school problems or difficulties like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) you may find it helpful to have her seen by a play therapist.
As a parent an important way to learn about how your child is feeling about herself and the world around her is to be aware of her play and gently ask about it. You may find out a lot about your child when she tells you about her doll’s problems and concerns!