The Power of Play Therapy

How this Therapeutic Technique
can Benefit your Child

Play is a universal activity that instinctively and creatively engages children in their life experience. It is through play that they explore, learn, and make sense of the world around them. Play allows children to express emotions they otherwise wouldn’t know how to access. There is great benefit in combining play with therapeutic interventions through play therapy.

Play therapy is a form of therapeutic intervention designed specifically for children. It is based on the understanding that play is a natural medium of communication for children, allowing them to express themselves, process emotions, and resolve conflicts. Trained play therapists create a safe and supportive environment where children can engage in play-based activities, using toys, art materials, and other expressive tools to explore their feelings and experiences. Play therapy harnesses the inherent power of play to support children’s emotional, social, and psychological development. 

At Decade2Connect, our Child Therapy services include play therapy as a key approach to supporting children’s emotional well-being and development. Our qualified therapists are experienced in using play therapy techniques to help children process emotions and overcome challenges.

Considering play therapy for your child? Below are some benefits:

Emotional Expression and RegulationChildren often find it challenging to express complex emotions verbally. Play therapy provides them with a non-threatening outlet to communicate and process their feelings. Through play, children can act out their experiences, express joy, anger, fear, or sadness, and gradually develop emotional awareness and regulation skills. This helps them gain a sense of control over their emotions and build resilience.
Healing TraumaChildren who have experienced trauma or are struggling with challenging life circumstances can benefit greatly from play therapy. Play allows them to recreate and reenact their experiences in a safe setting, helping them gain a sense of mastery and control. Through guided play, they can process and make meaning of their traumatic experiences, gradually reducing their impact and fostering healing.
Enhance Social SkillsPlay therapy offers opportunities for children to engage in pretend play scenarios, which helps them develop essential social skills. They learn to navigate relationships, negotiate, take turns, share, and practice problem-solving. Play therapists often facilitate role-playing activities that enable children to explore different perspectives and develop empathy, enhancing their ability to relate to others effectively. 
Build ConfidencePlay therapy provides a nurturing environment where children can experience success and develop a positive sense of self. Through play, they can explore their strengths, overcome challenges, and build self-confidence. Play therapists offer encouragement, praise effort, and create opportunities for children to take on leadership roles, fostering a sense of competence and self-worth.
Promote CreativityPlay therapy stimulates cognitive and creative development in children. Through imaginative play, they engage in problem solving, abstract thinking, and decision-making, honing their cognitive skills. The freedom of play allows children to explore their creativity, fostering their imagination and promoting flexible thinking.

Play therapy is one of many therapeutic methods to consider for your child, one that meets them where they are. By providing a safe space for self-expression and exploration, play therapy enables children to process their emotions, build resilience and ultimately connect to themselves, their families and their communities.

Decade2Connect has a qualified team of therapists who utilize play therapy and are available if you and your child are ready to take the next step. Connect with a member of our team today!