Child & Play therapy is one of the most helpful ways of working with children.
The most natural way for children to express themselves is through
Play therapy can also be used as a tool of diagnosis. Oftentimes, we can identify possible roots of troubling , sad & anxious behavior throughobserving a child's play, & observing the child playing with sibling(s) & parent(s)
Once these roots are identified, we utilize both play & talk therapy to accept & validate the child, their thoughts, & their feelings. Then we can work with children & families to shape & change underlying thoughts, feelings, & behaviors. More adaptive ways of coping can be introduced & taught... & the sad , anxious & otherwise disturbing ways can slowly be extinguished. We utilize the following techniques when working with children & families:
- creative art making -- (drawing, work with clay, coloring & painting)
- therapeutic games
- playhouses & dolls
- creative role play
- sandtray therapy
Through structured & semi-structured play experiences, we are frequently able to help kids & their families work through their
anxiety, depression, socialization, adjustment, behavior control, & self-esteem struggles.