Understanding Play Therapy Treatment and How it Works

The Colorado Counseling Podcast

In this episode, we're learning about the fascinating and often misunderstood form of therapy: Play Therapy.

Whether you're a parent seeking better ways to connect with your child, a teacher aiming to understand your students, or a fellow counselor interested in expanding your therapeutic toolbox, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the history, theoretical foundations, and practical applications of play therapy. We'll demystify its process and shed light on how it can help children express themselves, understand their emotions, and work through their challenges, all through the universal language of play.

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play, a child's natural mode of expression, to enable them to express their feelings and thoughts in a safe, supportive environment. This therapeutic approach, primarily used with children aged 3-12, provides an opportunity for children to 'play out' their thoughts, feelings, and problems just as adults use words to express themselves.

The idea behind this form of therapy is that play is the child's language, and toys are their words. From traditional toys to modern board games used in play therapy, a variety of tools can be utilized to facilitate communication and understanding.

We'll also look at how play therapy can address specific conditions. For instance, we'll discuss how play therapy can help a child with separation anxiety, providing strategies to manage their fears and build confidence.

Furthermore, we'll share some effective play therapy ideas for children with autism, highlighting how this approach can enhance communication, social skills, and emotional regulation.