Play therapy

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses play to communicate with and help people, especially children, to prevent or resolve psychosocial challenges. This is thought to help them towards better social integration, growth and development, emotional modulation, and trauma resolution.

Play therapy can also be used as a tool of diagnosis. A play therapist observes a client playing with toys (play-houses, pets, dolls, etc.) to determine the cause of the disturbed behavior. The objects and patterns of play, as well as the willingness to interact with the therapist, can be used to understand the underlying rationale for behavior both inside and outside the session.

History

Play therapy has a rich history, first described in the literature by Hermine Hug-Hellmuth in 1920, with the first documented case. Anna Freud and Melanie Klein are also noted for their contributions to the field during the 1930s. Virginia Axline further developed the field in the 1940s with her non-directive play therapy, now called child-centered play therapy.

Types of Play Therapy

There are two primary perspectives of play therapy: directive and non-directive.

Directive play therapy involves the therapist guiding the child's play in a very specific way. This can include the therapist choosing the toys, initiating play themes, and directing the child's actions within the play.

Non-directive play therapy is a non-intrusive method in which children are encouraged to work toward their own solutions to problems through play. It is based on the belief that children have the internal drive to achieve wellness.

Benefits of Play Therapy

Play therapy can be beneficial for children dealing with a variety of challenges, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Trauma
• Grief
• Anger Management
• Divorce
• Family Dysfunction

See Also

• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Drama Therapy
• Dance/Movement Therapy
• Sandplay Therapy
• Theraplay
• Psychotherapy

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