As a parent, you want to make sure that your child's whole health is being cared for. This includes your child's mental health and if your child is struggling with depression, anxiety, or recent trauma, your pediatrician might recommend something called play therapy. If this is your first experience with play therapy, chances are you have a lot of questions. Here are the answers to some of those common questions you might have about play therapy.

What Exactly Is Play Therapy?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which involves a therapist and child simply talking, or art therapy, which means your child draws or paints while talking with a therapist, play therapy involves play and interaction. Your therapist will be specially trained to work with your child in a more relaxed environment that involves playing with toys, including dolls, puppets, or dress-up costumes.

The toys will be used for your child to act out their emotions or help the therapist better understand and work through a trauma or tragic life event with your child.

What Are the Benefits of Play Therapy Over Traditional Talk Therapy?

During play, your child will be more receptive to talking with a therapist. This relaxed environment can help your child be calm and allow them a safe, familiar environment to share their thoughts and feelings. Additionally, through play, your child can often express emotions that they are not able to verbalize because of their young age.

If your child was diagnosed with a mental health condition or a behavioral issue, they can benefit from play therapy. Here are a few of the common conditions that play therapy can help with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD
• Divorce
• Low self-esteem

If your child is acting out at school or has issues with their social skills or impulsivity, your child might benefit from play therapy.

How Long Will My Child Be in Play Therapy?  

As an adult, if you have ever been in therapy or worked with a counselor, you know that therapy is an ongoing process. The same is true of play therapy and depending upon your child's unique situation, the therapist might recommend scheduling several appointments for your child each week for several months, or your child might only require a few sessions for the therapy to be beneficial.

Play therapy is an amazing resource for parents of children who are struggling with any number of mental health or behavioral issues. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to talk to your pediatrician or a child therapist. 

For more info, reach out to a company such as Life Redefined Clinical Counseling.