Children express their thoughts and feelings through their imagination as they play.
Play Therapy is a process that therapists and clinicians often use to learn what kids are feeling, especially when they are younger, traumatized, or have difficulty expressing themselves. Play therapy is helpful to understand a variety of concerning behavioral or emotional issues in children. For example, children that are easily angered, consistently disrespectful or defiant, or unable to control emotions may benefit from play therapy. Play therapy helps us help your child in order to treat them properly and get them to a better, more confident place.
How can Play Therapy help?
Play therapy begins by making sure your child feels safe with their therapist and the environment. Our office is stocked with toys, books, games and things that will help put your child at ease that this is a safe, fun place to be.
Together with their therapist, you child can work through any confusion, anxiety, anger, grief, and other emotions they may be experiencing. Play is a natural form of expression for children. It is how they learn and develop and understand their feelings. Your therapist is skilled in reading through, or understanding what is meant through a child’s play and once they understand that, will try to engage your child to share more and express more of themself.
Play therapy is not exclusive to just therapist and child. Our therapists will share what they learn with you. They will help you better understand your child and help your child better understand you. You can learn techniques and strategies through play therapy to take home with you as well to help your child put into practice what is learned through their therapy sessions.
The ultimate goal of play therapy is to help your child develop better coping skills and reset their view of the world so they can have a happy childhood.
Please contact us for more information on Play Therapy Services in our St. Peters, MO office.