PLAY THERAPY

Play Therapy

Children are often unable to communicate their thoughts and feelings through verbal communication, which can create inner conflict and often behavioral concerns. Play therapy can help children learn more helpful behaviors, understand their emotions, and gain insight about resolving inner conflicts. Through play therapy, children also learn self-control, self respect, to express their feelings, problem solving, communication skills, and to modify problem behaviors. Play therapy is most often utilized for children ages 3-12 years, to help better express themselves and resolve their struggles. Research suggests play therapy is an effective mental health approach, regardless of age, gender, or the nature of the problem, and works best when a parent, family member, or caretaker is actively involved in the treatment process.

Sand Tray Therapy

A good number of clients (mostly teenagers and adults) benefit greatly from sand tray therapy, even when they’re first skeptical about “playing in the sand.” Most people quickly come to realize that using a sand tray is so much more than just “playing” in the sand, although some clients prefer to just play with the sand for the sensory experience while talking. When using sand tray, your therapist may ask you to make scenes in the tray. For example, to create a scene of your happiest memory. You then have the option to choose from hundreds of figurines of different animals, people, vehicles, plants and countless other items that may represent your happiest memory. That memory is then discussed and built upon therapeutically to whatever extent you are comfortable with, and feelings that come up are further explored. The sensory experience of sand tray combined with the freedom to express different life events, thoughts, and feelings in a multidimensional way, often creates a powerful therapeutic experience.