Play Therapy

Definition:
Play therapy refers to a method of psychotherapy with children in which a therapist uses a child's fantasies and the symbolic meanings of his or her play as a medium for understanding and communication with the child.

What is Play Therapy?

Practitioners of play therapy believe that this method allows the child to manipulate the world on a smaller scale, something that cannot be done in the child's everyday environment.. By playing with specially selected materials, and with the guidance of a person who reacts in a designated manner, the child plays out his/her feelings, bringing these hidden emotions to the surface where s/he can face them and cope with them.

In it's most psychotherapeutic form, the teacher is unconditionally accepting of anything the child might say or do. Play therapy is a treatment mode , for patients, using play which is an essential part of life and a proven way of mental and physical exercise, from all age groups.

FOCUS OF PLAY THERAPY

Play therapy is unique in its approach to addressing dementia, play therapy training scientifically prepares therapists to understand and speak the language of play that patients relate to easily. The play reveals the strength or lacuna in their coping skills and enhances their ability to define and master their problems.

When Is It Appropriate To Use Play Therapy ?

Many researches tells us that identification of life stresses is important in deciding timing for play therapy. The family members, friends and even the therapist should pick up signals and begin therapy as soon as possible.

How Long Does The Therapy Take ?

Play therapy assessments depend on the conditions of particular child problems such as anxiety and related disorders. But typically, one can expect it to be between 7 and 12 sessions in cases of general anxiety, panic disorder, fears, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc.

Differences between Dynamic and Creative Play Therapy Techniques

Creative play therapy technique aims at testing and developing creative aspects of child development in a therapeutic environment, whereas Dynamic play therapy harps on physical activities more than the intellectually important creative activities.

How Do The Techniques Of Play Therapy Work? What Are Their Benefits?
The free play therapy technique works on the principle of employing play and games techniques aimed at freeing minds of children of all inhibitions and anxiousness. Without the responses by the children being closely monitored by both the therapists and the parents or guardians the success of the whole activity may get really affected.

Without the responses by the children being closely monitored by both the therapists and the parents or guardians the success of the whole activity may get really affected. Without the responses by the children being closely monitored by both the therapists and the parents or guardians the success of the whole activity may get really affected.

Approaches Involved Directive vs Non-Directive

There is an ongoing debate in the play therapy field over which approach is better non-directive or directive. There are two issues of concern. First, there is not one right way to proceed in our work with children. Second, it is highly questionable that there is really any such thing as non-directive therapy. The term non-directive is a misnomer. A therapist should be fairly nondirective in the therapeutic process,

often quite directive with regard to the methods used in a session, and as non directive as possible with regard to the interpretation of the material which arises during a session, and quite directive in the issues of safety and best interests of the child.

THERAPIST BEHAVIOUR

Accepts the child as she or he is. Establishes a feeling of permission, so that child feels comfortable. Alert to recognize the feelings. Maintains a deep respect for the childs ability. Does not hurry the therapy along. Establish necessary limitation to the therapy. Friendly relationship with the child.

AIM OF PLAY THERAPY

The aim of play therapy is to decrease those behavioral and emotional difficulties that interfere significantly with a child's normal functioning. Play therapy is used to treat problems that are interfering with the child's normal development.

Precautions:
Play therapy addresses psychological issues and would not be used to alleviate medical or biological problems. Children who are experiencing physical problems should see a physician for a medical evaluation to clarify the nature of the problem and, if necessary, receive the appropriate medical treatment.

Likewise, children who experience academic difficulties need to receive a neuropsychological or in-depth psychological evaluation in order to clarify the presence of a biologically based
learning disability.