Just like adults, children also benefit from therapy. Whether they are working through difficult emotions such as grief, coping with their parents’ divorce, needing to gain problem solving skills or coping tools, or struggling socially at school, therapy can be an excellent tool for parents to help their children through these challenges and many more. Working with children in therapy presents a unique set of circumstances. Often children, especially very young children, may not know exactly what they are struggling with or they may not have the vocabulary to communicate the emotions they’re feeling. One mode of therapy that can be incredibly helpful with these barriers to treating children is utilizing the help of a Registered Play Therapist. 

Registered Play Therapists do not merely see patients in a playroom, although this can be part of their treatment plans. The Association for Play Therapy distinguishes that Play Therapy is “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained Play Therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development." So while spontaneous play is a part of the play therapy model, Play Therapy is much more complex and is based in research and clinical practice. 

What you can expect in play therapy

Your child’s play therapy session will vary based on what issue your child is working through. If your child is struggling with outbursts of anger, for example, the therapist may work with them on identifying that anger through role playing or make believe games. Then they may work toward giving them a healthy outlet for anger such as throwing soft toys or using an inflatable punching bag. However, if your child is working through the loss of a loved one, the RPT may allow your child to color pictures or play with dolls and allow the topic to come up naturally. 

You can also trust that working with an RPT will mean that your child is receiving therapy that uses a systemic approach. RPTs will use either a directed methodology in which they set up specific activities for a child based on goals they’re trying to achieve or they will use a non-directive approach which is more child-centered. Directive sessions are typically used for a child who is dealing with issues that need a more immediate solution. For example, if a child is struggling with problem solving, getting stuck when he or she has to do something themselves, the RPT may set up a session in which the child has to solve several problems such as reaching something on a shelf by using a stool. Or, if they are working on social skills the therapist may set up a session in which they use dolls or action figures to act out different social settings and talk about how to interact with peers and other people. Child-centered sessions will likely focus on more big picture issues:  dealing with grief or loss, anxiety, or other ongoing emotional struggles. In this type of approach, children can be given options for how they would like to play and by reflecting what the child is doing and how they are playing, they can help the child identify what they feel and why. 

OTHER FAQs

How long does a play therapy session last?

45-50 minutes is typical, but it may be longer or shorter depending on the age and needs of the child. The therapist will work with you to determine the best length of session for your child.

What issues can this help with?

As mentioned before, children can work through grief, anger, or other emotions at play therapy. Additionally, RPTs can help kids gain new social skills, work on coping skills for ADHD, OCD, anxiety, or depression. They can also help children cope with transitions in life that can be difficult such as divorce or a new sibling. 

Will I be a part of my child’s session?

This will also depend on the child’s age and his or her needs. Often, parents are asked to be part of play therapy sessions, but it can also be a distraction to the child. The therapist will work with you to determine what is appropriate and best for your child. 

What ages of children can participate in play therapy?

Most of the time RPTs will see children aged 3-12.

What if my child doesn’t enjoy “playing?” 

Play therapists understand that not every child, especially as they get older, may want to play typical games or with the same types of toys. RPTs are trained in how to use the same methodology in a wide variety of ways. They can sketch with older kids or play board games. They also often use reading books to implement the same strategies. 

Here at Rockwall Counseling and Wellness, we have several practitioners who specialize in Play Therapy. Natalie Shepherd, LPC-S, LMFT-S, RPT-S, Katheryn Chaney, LCSW-S, RPT-S, and Juliana Long, LPC, RPT are all Registered Play Therapists who are passionate about helping their patients achieve new goals and work through emotions or difficult times in their lives. At our Heath location, we have a dedicated Play Therapy room, set up especially to see patients working with one of our Play Therapists. We believe this type of therapy is so much more than just games. It is a way to empower children to identify their emotions, face challenges and cope with life’s difficulties. Learning these things at an early age truly sets children up to be healthy adults who know how to communicate and ask for help when they need it. If your child is struggling with any of the above mentioned issues or if you’re curious as to how Play Therapy might help your child, click the link below to book a call with one of our RPTs to learn more. 

Written by Emily Taylor, Contributing Writer