What is play therapy?
Play is the medium we use as humans to communicate and connect with the world around us before we can speak. According to the Association for Play Therapy, play therapy is a well-tested therapeutic approach created for children but adapted to be used for all ages. This specific approach to therapy is very useful with all individuals and can be especially helpful with families with children as a way to foster connection with one another. The sky is the limit for the medium of play therapy. Therapists use clay, therapeutic toys, paint, collage, coloring, and many other mediums in play therapy.
Why is Play Therapy Useful for Families?
Play is a second nature, and we can all do it. It is adaptable, and most of all, it is fun! It also gives children a safe space to use their voices. Family play therapy can be adapted to each system’s needs, and depending on the medium, play therapy can focus on specific aspects the family is trying to work on. An example of this is if the family communication that the family wants to work on, they may create a world in the sand, a story, or even play a board game together (Gill, 2016).
FAMILY Bonding and CONNECTION
One of the most positive parts of family play therapy is that it gives space for families to have intentional bonding time together. It allows space for communication to occur in a safe place, and over time, that can assist in improving family connections and relationships within the family unit.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Interested in this approuch to therapy? Set up a call now for a free 15 minute consultation.
Resources
Association for Play Therapy. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.a4pt.org/
Gil, E. (2016). Play in family therapy. Guilford Publications.