An Introduction to Play Therapy

Play is a very natural and vital part of a child’s life, and how they express themselves, especially if don’t have the vocabulary to do this effectively. Play is an integral part of how children develop many of their life skills and plays an important role in brain development.

It helps physical abilities such a motor skills, coordination and movement. Children can learn social skills such as sharing, communication, self-expression and compassion. Emotionally they can experience enjoyment, fulfilment, excitement, curiosity, contentment as well as practicing self-regulation and resilience.

Cognitively, children can improve problem solving skills, creativity, decision making, abstract thought, understanding things from someone else’s perspective.

The child can improve their use of language, focused attention, story-telling, literacy skills, memory and self-esteem.

Child-centred play therapy is a systematic and evidence-based approach to counselling children. This form of play therapy has been in use for over 60 years and has a long history of efficacy in therapeutic work with children. It is well supported by extensive research.

Meta-analytic reviews (a powerful analysis that combines the results of many studies) of over 100 play therapy outcome studies (Bratton, Ray, Rhine & Jones, 2005; Leblanc & Ritchie, 2001) found that the overall treatment effect of play therapy ranges from moderate to highly positive effects. The review by Bratton and colleagues was conducted on 93 research studies, indicated that play therapy was effective across a variety of presenting issues. Non-directive approaches were found to yield better outcomes than therapist-directed play approaches. Additionally, positive treatment effects were found to be greatest when there was a parent actively involved in the child’s treatment.

-       Play Therapy Melbourne

In a Play Therapy session, the Therapist uses the many benefits of play to work with concerns such as enhancing self-expression, by developing the ability to play at the average level for the child’s age.

We also focus on developing empathy, self-competence and a sense of self.

Expertly directed play can be utilised as a way to process stressful and traumatic life events.

Play has the ability to improve relationships and give a child a sense of control and empowerment. It can be cathartic, and a fun and positive experience.

The therapist is able to offer the child one hour of undivided attention with a focus of offering them a space of total acceptance, positive regard, no expectations, understanding, calmness and the skills to help the child process and manage current difficulties in their life and past traumas.

What qualifications does CPH&P Play Therapist, Kim Wood have?

Kim has a Masters in Play Therapy and has studied animal-assisted therapies also, so is able to utilise animals in her therapeutic work with children. Kim also works at The Centre as an Equine Therapist.