What is play therapy?
People often ask “What is play therapy?” According to the Association for Play Therapy it 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." What does that really mean? “Play therapy” is an umbrella term used to describe a set of therapeutic theories and techniques. Sand therapy, art therapy, bibliotherapy and many others can fall under the term of “play therapy”. Play therapy can be directive, non-directive or a combination of both. Its goals are to remediate symptoms that are causing distress or impairment.
Who is it for?
Play therapy is most often used with children because traditional “talk therapy” is not appropriate for some developmental and cognitive levels. In play therapy, it is thought that play is the child’s “language” and the toys their “words”. Evidence-based practices have shown that play therapy can be beneficial for children diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and many others. While play therapy is most often used with children and adolescents, it can be beneficial for adults as well. For more in depth information about play therapy please go to:
www.a4pt.org/ps.index.cfm?ID=1653
Filial Therapy
Filial Therapy is a therapeutic intervention that can help children by teaching parents basic child-centered play therapy techniques and methods to use with their children (Guerney, B., Guerney, L., & Adronico, 1966; Landreth, 1991/2002; Landreth & Bratton, 2006). In filial therapy, parents conduct once-a-week 30 minute play sessions with their children at home. Throughout the process, parents are provided on-going training and direct supervision from a trained play therapist
For more information please go to:
www.a4pt.org/download.cfm?ID=10935
