Child Therapy

While adults talk out their problems, children "play out their problems". Play is the language of children, and in speaking that language, we can work to help them discover their own strengths in facing the sometimes harsh realities of life. Play is the means by which children express and learn themselves. It helps children to develop an accurate sense of both their strengths and limitations and helps to master emotions and impulses. Play connects children to others in a positive manner and aids in learning skills they will further develop throughout their lifespan.

Play Therapy is an experiential, structured modality of therapy that relies on the normal learning and communication processes of children. Whereas as an adult might verbalize or "talk out" their problems, the curative powers in play therapy are designed to help children "play it out" or express their thoughts and feelings when they may not have the words to do so. Play therapy allows children to confront their problems and cope with difficult emotions from a safe emotional distance, while finding solutions under the guidance and safety of a trained counselor. Through the process, children learn lasting solutions that can be carried into almost any life stage or situation.

"The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect, but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity."
Carl Jung

Often times, a child's distress is an indication of a lack of equilibrium in the family or the child's behavior and reactions might be causing the distress in the family. In either case, working with the family to address the difficulty together always works best. It is essential that the child and parents actively participate in the process, allowing the counselor to pace parental engagement throughout the process for the best results.

Play Therapy is usually appropriate for children between 3 and 12 years of age. Play Therapy sessions are usually 45-50 minutes in length with an average frequency of once a week. The average duration of the treatment, depending on the nature of the presenting problem, is 20 sessions. There is a creative power in play and it is our hope to connect you and your child to that healing process.

Substantiated research indicates these positive outcomes:

• Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.
• Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
• Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
• Learn to experience and express emotion.
• Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.
• Learn new social skills and relational skills with family.
• Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness about their abilities.