For many children, play is the means through which they can release big, pent-up emotions. Through play therapy children can safely express these emotions and feel supported and validated and develop the ability to do this constructively outside the therapy room as well. For some older children, play allows them to get comfortable in the therapy room and to talk freely about those challenges that they face in their life (while engaged with something fun and free of pressure). And for others, play is the method to build the child’s skills, such as using games that develop attention span, self-regulation, and frustration tolerance.
As a therapeutic approach, play therapy is an effective modality for young children, whether it is used for issues that are situational, developmental, behavioral, or emotional. Play therapy can support children during stressful situations, such as divorce, death, or a new sibling. It is also appropriate in addressing other types of concerns, such as anger management, anxiety, frustration tolerance, attentional difficulties, or social issues, as well as the accompanying emotional and behavioral aspects of ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities.
DR. DAHLIA KAUFMAN 