Play is the universal language of children. And play goes beyond just using toys and figurines for enjoyment and fun. Play uses the language of metaphors, allowing children to “play out” what they cannot express and yet feeling safe to express them freely and to explore their difficult experiences. Thus, play therapy is often used for children who need some form of therapeutic support, particularly when they struggle with using words to identify or recognize causes of concerns.
Some areas that play therapy are used for children include:
Trauma (this includes survivor of accidents or suffer from illnesses)
Emotional regulation
Depression
Anger
Relationship issues (this may include bullying, parents’ divorce or separation or difficulties in relating to others)
Overall, play therapy aims to help the child understand and manage their emotions, develop healthy relationships and work through difficult experiences. It is widely recognized as an important, effective and developmentally appropriate treatment method that helps individuals communicate, explore negative thoughts or emotions and address unresolved trauma, issues or challenges.
Other benefits of play therapy include improving:
Decision-making skills
Communication skills
Social skills
Emotional expression
Creativity
Healing from trauma
Play therapy typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes for an individual session, depending on the age of the child.Session is taken place in a comfortable and safe environment where the child has free access to the toys and equipment in the room. There is a variety of mediums alongside toys, dolls, figurines, blocks, sandplay or games found in the play therapy room itself. Some therapeutic techniques such as movement, storytelling, roleplay or drama may also be used to facilitate the healing process.
Our play therapist will also actively engage the parents of the child so that the child can also be better supported at home. It can take a village to raise a child, hence the support of parents and their role played in the ongoing therapy of child with the play therapist is critical.
Speak to our play therapist if your child is facing a challenging situation in his/her life now, in school and/or at home. Play therapy can offer a wonderful and positive support to your child and yourself too as parents.
Restoring Peace Counselling & Consultancy offers play therapy and other forms of counselling and psychotherapy services for children and young people. For more information, please visit www.restoringpeace.com.sg or Whatsapp us at +65 8889 1848.
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Keywords: Singapore, mental health clinic, counselling, therapy, therapist, play therapy, children