What is Play Therapy?

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Strive Counseling Services offers play therapy services, providing a spacious play therapy room equipped with sand, miniatures for the sand tray, art supplies, books, a dollhouse, and play-dough.

 

Play therapy is a recognized evidence-based therapeutic approach recommended for children aged 3-12 years old. It serves as an alternative avenue for self-expression and communication, particularly beneficial for children who encounter difficulty verbalizing their emotions. Through play, children naturally find outlets to express their feelings, employing various methods during the session. This therapeutic approach is instrumental in addressing behavioral issues stemming from trauma, anger, grief, divorce, and difficulties adapting to environmental changes.

 

How Does It Work?

 

Various methods are employed during therapy to assist the child in communicating emotions. One of the most effective methods is tracking the child, allowing the therapist to collect information expressed by the child to convey that they have the therapist's full attention. The therapist also gathers collateral information from the parent(s) and engages them throughout therapy. The number of sessions varies based on the child’s needs and should be provided at least once a week.

 

Crystal Mullen-Johnson is a Registered Play Therapist, to learn more about Play Therapy visit the Association of Play Therapy for Mental Health Professionals. https://www.a4pt.org .

 

Strive Counseling Services dedicates their play therapy room to the late Edward Mullen,Jr., who tragically took his own life in June 2022 at the age of 18. Edward was loving, intelligent and artistic, his artwork is displayed on the wall of the play therapy room in his memory. This dedication signifies the importance of providing children with a safe outlet for therapy, promoting healing, and instilling hope, all of which align with the principles and objectives of play therapy.