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Some children experience difficulties in making adjustments. Play therapy provides an opportunity for them work through these problems in a permissive situation. While adults find relief in talking over their difficulties with an understanding therapist, children often cannot express their thoughts and feelings in words; therefore, it is helpful to allow the child to express him/herself naturally through play. Play therapy can offer the child a unique relationship with an objective and accepting adult who is not in a position to "use" any of his/her disclosures for or against him/her in any way. In order to ensure the privacy of this arrangement, it is essential that the child not feel any pressure to give an accounting of the events that occur in the playroom. This should be viewed as his/her private time with the therapist. For this reason, parents are asked to refrain from questioning the child about his/her activities in the playroom. Occasionally, the child may bring home a drawing, painting, or other object he/she has made. As these may often have a hidden meaning of which even the child is not aware, it is best (1) not to question him/her as to what it represents; (2) not to praise it as a "masterpiece"; (3) not to criticize it or make suggestions for its technical improvement. If the child offers it to you, accept it casually and without much comment. When bringing the child for the first session, he/she can be told that he/she will be coming to the office each week to play with Naomi, that there are toys there which he/she can play with in any way that he/she wishes. If the child questions further as to the reasons for coming, he/she can be told that it seems to help children to have someone that they can talk to and play with all alone. For more information go to The Association for Play Therapy web site at www.a4pt.org/ps.playtherapy.cfm |
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Douglasville Office |
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770-949-0074 |