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Play Therapy is not just about fun games or playing with toys. It is a form of psychotherapy that is used to tap into the innate playful nature within children to assess, prevent, and treat behavioral challenges. Play is known to be the language of children. It helps them to channel their fear, wants, and needs.

This process helps the child to confront their own behavior, where the therapist can determine the root course of such behavior and provide possible solutions. Unlike talk therapy play is more relevant when it comes to young children. It can open the window to explore their inner issues and thus a wonderful way to communicate with them without crossing their boundaries.

Play therapy can be adapted in both directive and non-directive approaches. In a non-directive approach, children are given the freedom to choose their toys and spend their time how they like. Whereas in the directive approach, the therapist uses solution-focused play therapy and guides the child during their session.

These sessions are goal-oriented and the play is chosen on the basis of that. This process over time can allow the child to gain an improved sense of self and self-worth. And this is perhaps an integral part of supporting special needs children dealing with behavioral issues.

Educators keen on venturing into the field of special education needs SEN Courses for teachers can assist them in developing different approaches to cater to children with special needs.
 

What Are The Benefits Of Play Therapy?

There are various types of play therapy, depending upon how the therapist wants to intervene, the play is decided. Play therapy can help the child to:

• Be responsible for their behaviors.
• Cultivate respect and empathy.
• Identify and express their emotions in much healthy ways.
• Grows better coping strategies for uncomfortable situations.
• Improves sense of self-respect.
• Reduce anxiety.
• Learn new social skills and develop interpersonal skills
• Improved sense of their own abilities and feel more confident in themselves.
• Develop problem-solving skills

Not to mention play therapy can also lead to Play therapy can also encourage the use of language or improve fine and gross motor skills.

Know When To Seek Play Therapy

Generally, play therapy is used for children of age group 3 to 12. Play therapy can be used if the child has ADHD, Autism, or behavioral issues. Additionally, play therapy can also help children with:

• Learning challenges or developmental delays
• Aggressive/anger-related issues
• Traumatic experiences such as abuse, domestic violence, neglect.
• Chronic anxiety, grief, and/or depression.

Through play therapy, children feel safe in their environment and thus become less guarded.

Play therapy will vary depending on the therapist and also on the particular needs of each child. To begin with the intervention the therapist may want to observe the child at play. Additionally, the therapist may also need to conduct separate interviews with the child, parents, or teachers. Since each child and his/her case are different the therapist after observation creates a tailored made therapy program to meet individual needs. Over time the progress is evaluated and reassessed. Also, as and when required the therapist may ask parents, siblings, and help of other family members which could lead to improved family dynamics.

Final words

Play therapy can help uncover as well as deal with and deal with psychological issues. When children are vulnerable at their core, their way of processing trauma and their ability to express their discomfort can be limited.

Thus, play can be used as the gateway to access their emotions and help them develop coping mechanisms to deal with their behavioral issues, trauma, or stress. Play can also be used as a healthy tool both at home as well as in school for special children alongside therapy and/or medication. SEN Courses for teachers can help special educators build strategies to incorporate play in lessons.