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Text Box: Why Play in Therapy? Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O’Connor & Schaefer, 1983). Therapists strategically utilize play therapy to help children express what is troubling them when verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings fails (Gil, 1991). Toys work like the child’s words and play is the child’s language (Landreth, 2002). Through play, therapists help children learn adaptive behaviors (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005). A positive relationship develops between the therapists and children. This provides a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Moustakas, 1997). Play therapy can promote cognitive development, provide insight, and help resolve inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking (O’Connor & Schaefer, 1983; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005). How Does Play Therapy Work? Children are referred for play therapy to resolve their problems (Carmichael, 2006; Schaefer, 1993). Often, children have used up their own problem solving tools, may misbehave or act out at home or school (Landreth, 2002). Trained mental health practitioners use play therapy to assess and understand children’s play. Further, it is utilized to help children cope with difficult emotions and find solutions to problems (Moustakas, 1997; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005). By confronting problems in the clinical play therapy setting, children find healthier solutions. Play therapy helps children change the way they think about, feel toward, and resolve concerns (Kaugars & Russ, 2001). The most troubling problems can be confronted and lasting resolutions can be discovered, rehearsed, mastered and become lifelong strategies (Russ, 2004). Who Benefits from Play Therapy? Play therapy is the treatment of choice in mental health, school, agency development, hospital, residential, and recreational settings, with clients, especially children, of all ages (Carmichael, 2006; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005). Play therapy is especially appropriate for children 3—12 years (Carmichael, 2006; Gil, 1991; landreth, 2002; Schaefer, 1993). However, teens and adults also benefit from play and recreational processes. Its use with adults within mental health, agency and other healthcare contexts is increasing (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005; Schaefer, 2003). Play therapy has been applied to infants as well. Play therapy treatment plans are the primary intervention or used adjunctively for multiple mental health conditions and concerns, such as anger management, grief, loss, family dissolution, and trauma (Gil & Drewes, 2004; Landreth, Sweeney, Ray, Homeyer & Glover, 2005). It is also used for modification of behavior disorders (Landreth, 2002). This includes anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), autism or pervasive developmental, academic and social developmental, physical and learning disabilities, and conduct disorders (Bratton, Ray & Rhine, 2005). Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children whose problems are related to life stressors, such as divorce, death relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, stressful experiences, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, and natural disasters (Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005). Play therapy helps children: Become responsible for behaviors. Develop creative solutions. Develop respect for other and self acceptance. Learn to experience and express emotion. Cultivate empathy for thoughts and feelings of others. Learn new social skills and relational skills with family. Develop self-efficacy and better assuredness about abilities. (Provided by the Association for Play Therapy) For More Information Contact: Association for Play Therapy 2060 N. Winery Ave, Suite 102 Fresno, CA 93703 USA (559) 252-2278, Fax (559) 252-2297 info@a4pt.org www.a4pt.org

Why Play Therapy?

How Long Does Play Therapy Take?

Sessions vary, they last 30—50 minutes and are usually held weekly.  Research suggests it takes an average of 20 play therapy sessions to resolve problems of children referred for treatment .  Some children improve much faster.  Serious or ongoing problems take longer to resolve (Landreth, 2002; Carmichael, 2006).

Why Play?

A growing number of mental health professionals believe play is as important to human happiness and well being as love and work (Schaefer, 1993).  Even Aristotle and Plato reflected on the fundamental importance of play in our lives.

Play is a fun, enjoyable activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life.  It expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization and self-efficacy.  Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connect people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates emotions, and boosts confidence (Landreth, 2002).  Play allow us to practice skills and roles needed for survival.  Learning and development are fostered through play (Russ, 2004).