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Play and Therapy

Tenets of Relating to Children

  1. Children are not miniature Adults. 

  2. Children are people.

  3. Children are unique and worthy of respect. 

  4. Children are resilient.

  5. Children are capable of positive self direction.

  6. Children's natural language is play. 

  7. Children have a right to remain silent. 

  8. Children will take the therapeutic experience where they need to be. 

  9. Children's growth cannot be sped up.

​Landreth, G.L. (2024). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship, Fourth Edition. Routledge. 

Benefits of Play Therapy

Children's instinctive language is play. 

Play fosters children's ability to transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences. 

Play supports emotional, cognitive, social and physical development. 

Play allows them to creatively explore and autonomously develop their own sense of self. 

Play helps children gain a deeper understanding of themselves and they learn:

  • How to respect themselves

  • Feelings are acceptable and how to express them in a safe and healthy way

  • To take responsibility for themselves and their decisions

  • how to control themselves and direct themselves

  • how to confront problems creatively and resourcefully

  • Self-acceptance

  • Increase their decision-making skills

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Common Uses of Play Therapy

  • Improve Friend and Family Relationships

  • Increase Coping Skills

  • Manage Anxiety and Depression

  • Process Past Experiences or Traumas

  • Behavioral Concerns (including ADHD, aggression, or defiant behaviors)

  • Challenges in School

  • Enhance Social Skills

  • Support Child and Family in Processing and Coping with Divorce

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