what is play therapy
“Play is the most natural method of self-healing that childhood affords”
– Erik Erikson
Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy developed specifically for the treatment of children whose social and emotional development is hindered by adverse events or (psychological) problems. In play therapy, the therapist uses play as a tool to help the child understand and develop.
Play is the language of the child. Children naturally communicate their thoughts, feelings and experiences through play. Through play, the therapist can enter the child’s world and connect with the child. Children can explore their inner world and express and process feelings within this safe environment.
Play therapy falls under expressive and experiential therapies, meaning that doing and experiencing, rather than talking, are central in the therapy session.
for whom
Play therapy was developed for children between the ages of 4 and 12, but the nonverbal and experiential nature of play therapy sometimes makes this form of treatment appropriate for younger or older children as well. Practice Noura is also experienced in treating children over the age of 12.
Practice Noura focuses specifically on children from refugee and migration backgrounds. The therapist specializes in the treatment and guidance of children, who have had profound experiences during the war, the flight and during the arrival in the Netherlands at the reception locations.
Play therapy transcends culture and language barriers because the child determines how he or she expresses himself or herself in play, including the cultural adaptation of play.
When
Play therapy is an effective method for helping
children, among other things to:
– Regulating emotions, such as anger or sadness
– Developing social skills
– Practicing new behaviors
– Identity development (discovering one’s own sense of self)
– Building and strengthening self-confidence
– Learning to accept and cope with one’s own situation, such as ADHD, ASD, intellectual high ability, disability, etc.
Play therapy is also used to process adverse and traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one, being bullied, experiencing or witnessing violence, a life-threatening illness or an unexpected disaster.
Sometimes it may be unclear what exactly is going on with a child or what is causing certain complaints, but a change in the behavior or well-being of the child is noticeable, such as low self-confidence, crying fits, physically unexplained complaints or sudden regression in behavior. Play therapy can then provide insight into what is (possibly) underlying certain complaints.
Children with a diagnosis, such as trauma, depression, or an anxiety disorder, can also come to Noura. The therapist works with children rather than focusing on diagnoses, but sometimes a diagnosis can provide useful guidance during the therapeutic process. The therapist treats children and not diagnoses, but sometimes a diagnosis can provide guidance during the therapeutic process.
There are contra-indications:
- severe psychiatric disorder
- Very high imminent risk (e.g., suicidality)
- severe intellectual disability
method of operation
Play function and play material
In the therapy session, play materials are present to enable various play functions, such as:
– Recognizing, expressing, and regulating (blocked) emotions
– Enacting interactions, processing significant and adverse events, and connecting with bodily experiences
– Experimenting with new perspectives or approaches and fostering creative thinking
The therapist ensures that a variety of toys and expression materials are available for these play functions, such as:
– Playing with sand or clay (sensory material)
– Role-playing
– Playing out stories and experiences with human and animal figures
– Movement based activities
– Board or card games
– Expression with drawing and painting materials
– Building structures
– Thematic storytelling stones or cards
– Reading and/or telling thematic stories
Client-centered method
The therapeutic relationship plays an essential role in play therapy. The play therapist works client-centered with a positive focus toward the child. This means that the therapist focuses on restoring and strengthening the child’s own abilities. Children decide what they want to play with and in what ways they want to express themselves.
The therapist listens to and observes the child’s play, follows the child’s lead, and puts into words what is happening during play. Often the therapist also plays along. In this way, the therapist enters the child’s world and seeks to understand their experience. Within play, the therapist can also apply play-based interventions.
At Noura, a parent or sibling may sometimes be involved in the playroom during the therapeutic process, if this aligns with the goals of the treatment plan.
Phases and Duration of Play Therapy
1. Introduction
The process begins with an introduction and intake with the child’s parents or caregivers, to exchange necessary information and obtain consent for therapy.
2. Observation Period
The first three to six weeks consist of an observation phase. During this time, the play therapist and the child build a trusting relationship, while the therapist gains insight into the child’s situation.
3. Treatment
Once the parents or caregivers agree to the treatment plan, it is implemented, and the goals are addressed during therapy sessions. Play techniques and interventions are used throughout the process.
4. Evaluations
Approximately every 3 months there is an evaluation
on the development of the child. At this
consultation, parents/caregivers are present and regularly
also the teacher is present and/or other relevant stakeholders involved, such as the family counselor.
5. Closing
There is no fixed timeline for the duration of the play therapy; it can range from three months to one to one and a half years. Once the goals are achieved, therapy is concluded. In consultation with the parents or caregivers and the child, agreements are made for the closure phase.
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