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Childhood is a unique experience for each individual child. From their early development stages to their major walking and talking milestones, kids spend their formative years learning to communicate and adapt to different environments.
When it comes to expressing emotions, including wants and needs, one of the primary ways kids can say what’s on their minds is through playtime. Play is an integral part of any child’s mental and emotional well-being. At its core, it’s a natural activity, but it can also be combined with therapeutic resources.
Play therapy is a unique approach to mental health—one that’s designed to meet children where they are in their developmental stages and incorporate therapy-based skills and resources. Kids can have a lot going on inside, and expressing those feelings is not always easy. Let’s explore how play therapy can help kids across Canada build their communication and social skills.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of therapy designed to help children express their emotions and needs in a relatable and accessible way. Trained therapists can utilize playtime to watch how their young patients communicate and where they may struggle emotionally. Play therapy uses play to help address and solve problems children may have expressing to their parents or caregivers.
This type of therapeutic approach takes place in a registered child therapist’s or psychologist’s office, which is set up with various toys and activities geared towards their patient’s age group. During their sessions, the therapist can ask questions about their chosen toys and identify any hesitations or concerns surrounding their choices. With this insight, therapists can pay closer attention to their style of play and help them solve problems in a safe and comfortable environment.
What are the Benefits of Play Therapy?
Regarding therapeutic approaches, play therapy is recognized as an effective tool for child therapists looking to connect with their younger patients. Across Canada, registered psychotherapists from leaders like CASE Psychology incorporate play therapy because of the many benefits it provides, including:
- Learning Problem-Solving Skills
- Able to Take Accountability for Behaviours
- Developing Stronger Social Skills
- Learning How to Alleviate Anxiety
- Improve Fine Motor Skills
- Strengthening Family Relationships
Incorporating play therapy can help children in a variety of circumstances — ranging from familial issues to chronic illnesses, anxiety, difficulty focusing in school, and learning disabilities. This type of therapy can create a safe space for children across a variety of conditions to learn to communicate effectively and work through their problems in a trusted environment.
Is Play Therapy Right for You?
As a parent, it can feel overwhelming to know which mental health resources are right for your child. The most effective way to determine if a tool like play therapy is right for you is to speak with a registered child therapist, virtually or in person. They can explain the ins and outs of various therapeutic techniques and how they may be able to help your child build that essential emotional foundation.
