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Play therapy meets children at their developmental level, allowing natural communication through play—their common language.
Counselors will use play in a therapeutic manner to help assess a child, process the concern they are coming in for, or develop new skills that they may be lacking in. The Association for Play Therapy puts it this way, “In play therapy, toys are like the child’s words and play is the child’s language”.
As depicted in the video, children’s brains differ from adults’. While logical discussion aids understanding, true healing encompasses somatic experiences. Play facilitates somatic release, safe recreation of experiences, and healthy emotional release. As children engage in play, healing, new insights, and healthy engagement with the world around them occur.
Often, a child’s play behavior is overlooked. However, careful observation reveals themes from their day or experiences. For example, a child who has witnessed domestic violence may exhibit aggression during play. By attentively observing a child’s play, adults can gain valuable insights into the child’s world.
“I love helping people learn about themselves, shatter stigmas, and witness growth as I come alongside their journey and listen. What an honor!”
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