Child play therapy works to manage children’s emotions and foster self-awareness. The child may also be able to have fewer feelings of being overwhelmed and can think more creatively when aided by a children’s play therapist. Here are types of children’s play therapy to try with your child:
1. Art Therapy
Art therapy is when a child uses art to express feelings and reduce levels of stress. The treatment plan aims at helping the child to understand themself and pay attention to nonverbal cues of communication. Activities that are included in this category include making clay figures, drawing family portraits, and putting together collages. Your child can gain a better emotional understanding of themselves when they are involved in other activities like finger painting, coloring, and sculpting. Therapies that include the use of symbolic masks and mixed media art help your child with trauma recovery.
2. Sandplay Therapy
Sandplay therapy is a type of play therapy where the child uses sand, water, and toys to tell a story and help with emotional growth. Children role-play and construct safe zones where they can express their feelings. These activities may help to develop the child’s problem-solving skills and anger management. If the child has high stress levels, the therapists can help them use their imagination to create a peaceful place and build make-believe worlds. This way, the child builds safety and has fun, which leads to the reduction of stress. A children’s play therapist may invite children to build homes and pretend to live with friends during sand play therapy sessions.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a kind of therapy that focuses on dealing with problems related to feelings. The children learn about different ways of thinking positively so that they can avoid pressure or negative feelings such as depression. CBT is helpful to therapists for spotting negative thoughts, as well as role-playing fear. Children learn about relaxation techniques, changing negative thinking into positive, and creating coping strategies. Therapists may use games that help the child recognize their moods and that teach the child to be more mindful.
4. Music Therapy
Sounds and instruments stimulate the auditory senses and facilitate emotional expression. Singing songs that they like and playing percussion instruments can help children manage their moods. In a music therapy session, a therapist will help your child explore different exercises to enhance their musical abilities. They may also learn how they can associate feelings with certain sounds. Calm, quiet music is beneficial for enhancing relaxation and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Music therapists will help children find playlists or calming sounds that they can listen to throughout the week.
5. Drama Therapy
Drama therapy involves the use of stories and role-play, which aids in the treatment process. This form of therapy helps enhance children’s social skills and self-esteem. A therapist may encourage children to do small play segments and mimic different scenes in trauma therapy. When children play social roles, make up scenarios, and act out family situations, they may become more emotionally aware. Therapists can also encourage children to act out characters like superheroes in order to work on boosting their confidence and promoting positive stories.
6. Animal-assisted Therapy
Common animal-assisted interventions include petting therapy dogs, feeding small animals, and taking some animals for a walk. Interacting with a pet through activities like brushing the pet’s fur or training the animal can help alleviate loneliness and promote physical contact. Some therapists may encourage parents to purchase a pet for their child in order to enhance their confidence and self-esteem as they learn how to train and care for the animal. If they are unable to purchase a pet, a therapist will provide them with opportunities to interact with calm therapy animals. Children will practice speaking kindly to the animal and creating a safe space for the animal to play.
Partner With a Children’s Play Therapist
Play therapy is a beneficial way to help children express themselves emotionally and learn how to solve problems. When you engage the services of the children’s play therapist, your child will be introduced to new techniques that enhance their mental abilities and development. Talk to a therapist who will assist your child in overcoming the challenges they face through play therapy.