Hi Parents! Congratulations, you have taken a big step and put your child in therapy. Not only is it a hurdle to explain to your child what therapy is, but trusting your most loved and valued attachment with a complete stranger is difficult on the parent too. Not only are you trusting the therapist with your child, but also the intimate details of their mental health. So for this, I applaud each and every parent for recognizing the importance of mental health and wellness in your child.

So imagine after all of these barriers and hurdles, you walk into your first session for therapy and are met with a therapist with paint on their clothes, some sparkles and cut paper on the table, and a whole host of board games and toys. There is probably a Nintendo switch or tablet thrown askew in the background. As a parent, this may be jarring and leave you wondering if you choose the right therapist or wondering if such a distracting and playful atmosphere is truly helpful and therapeutic. Surely a more calm atmosphere, with neutral tones must be what your child needs…. And to that, I say, well maybe.

Each child is different and needs a different approach, so maybe a neutral room with a couch may be helpful, but Virginia Axiline would argue the opposite. Axiline is a psychologist and one of the pioneers to coin the modality that we now know as “Play Therapy”. For children entering therapy, the brightness of colors, array of toys and activities provide a familiar environment to encourage a child to engage and feel comfortable. These types of concerns and thoughts about the therapeutic methods of Play Therapy though, are not new and many parents have these questions. For this reason, I will respond to two of the most frequently asked questions “What is Play Therapy?” and “Why Does it Work?”

What is Play Therapy ?

When talking to parents about play therapy, I first ask parents what they think therapy is like for adults. Responses vary, but I hear things along the line of “talking about feelings on the couch”. Alternatively I might ask them to describe the setting of what therapy for adults looks like… Such as big comfy couches and pillows, having a neutral therapist across from you, overall a very intimate experience. These are all stereotypes, because it is what most often brings adults comfort…. But what about kids? Imagine a child in this therapeutic setting, they would probably be closed off, fidgeting around on the couch, or deciding for a nice nap.

Play therapy offers an environment which meets children where they are at, and engages them in activities they know best… PLAY! Axiline describes play as a child’s “natural medium” where children can feel free to express themselves. This not only assists with the relationship building process with therapist and child, but allows opportunities to explore challenges and barriers in a child’s life. Play therapy can be utilized in a variety of different ways such as children processing difficult things through playing with figurines, navigating challenges and strengthening strategic thinking skills through board games, or work on social skills through video game play. Play therapy provides an approach which meets children where they are at, and allows children to express themselves in ways which feel most comfortable to them.

Why Does it Work?

So why does play therapy work? The answer is quite simple, in the 1 hour a week session of play therapy a child is able to be their true and authentic self. By a therapist providing a neutral and non-judgmental space, a child can feel free to explore challenges, emotions, trauma and other barriers in a way which is most comfortable to them. Children experience so many guidelines, expectations and rigid structures throughout their everyday life as they abide by school rules, expectations at home, and rules in general society. Considering this, coming to therapy as a child can feel like another obligation. The routines and consistency in school and parenting should not be discredited, as children do need consistency. Rather I say this to shed light to the reality that children need space to be free. Axiline identifies that the biggest factor in play therapy is “being non-directive” and “grant[ing] the individual the permission to be himself”. Through allowing children space to be truly themselves and engage in play activities of their choice, their strengths and attributes shine through. In my next blog post, I will go more into detail of the role of therapist in play therapy. For now I end simply by saying that play therapy allows children to speak in a language which is most natural for them. The therapist’s role is to support the child, observe their strengths and weaknesses, and allow the child to navigate their challenges in a safe and supportive way.