Play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all of which make use of one or more of the natural benefits of play. Play allows children a safe psychological distance from their problems and permits them to express their true thoughts and feelings in ways best suited to their developmental level. Trained play therapists will assess and understand children’s play to assist the child in coping with difficult emotions and in finding solutions to their problems. This approach is non-threatening and engaging for the whole family. It helps both expressive and non-expressive children resolve a wide variety of emotional, behavioral, educational, and social problems.
Play therapy services include:
•Play therapy assessment: for evaluation of cognitive, emotional and social development and adjustment, strengths, needs, diagnostic considerations and recommendations
•Individual play therapy: as both primary and adjunctive treatment for a variety of social, emotional, developmental and academic problems for children 3 to 12
•Family therapy: to improve relationships and implement strategies to support and facilitate children’s health and development in the context of the family system
Play therapy is best suited for children between the ages of 3 – 12.