Play therapy makes a difference. Play is an enjoyable, fun activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life for both children and youths. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom and, most importantly, helps us express ourselves. Play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy helps children and youths to address and resolve their own problems and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them. Additionally, play therapy aims to help a child’s growth and development.

The Association for Play Therapy (a4pt.org) defines play therapy as the “systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”

Play therapy helps children and youth with the following:

• Become more responsible for their 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 a better assuredness about their abilities

If you’re interested in learning more about play therapy and how it can help your child grow, please email us at info@newday-inhomeservices.org for more information.