Different Kinds of Play
Frias, Massiel. "What Is Play Therapy?" The Wellness
Therapy
Center Rhode Island. Children Services, 9 June 2015.
Web. 6 Jan. 2016.
There are many different kinds of
techniques in play therapy but
Parson, Judi. "Play Therapy." - Australasia Pacific
Association
"Play Therapy - ACT for Meningitis." ACT for
below include some popular
techniques.
- Drawing
- Painting
Meningitis. Web. 6 Jan. 2016.
"Play Therapy - Carolina Counseling Professionals."
Carolina Counseling Professionals. 2016. Web. 6 Jan.
2016.
"Play Therapy - How Does Therapeutic Play Work?"
- Clay
- Music
- Sand Play
Play Therapy - How Does Therapeutic Play Work?
2008. Web. 6 Jan. 2016.
"University Settlement Professional Development
Series." - University Settlement. Web. 6 Jan. 2016.
- Therapeutic Storytelling
- Puppets
"Why Play?" Play Therapy Makes a Difference. Web. 6
Jan. 2016.
- Creative Visualization
CHERISH CENTER
- Therapeutic Board Games
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What is Play Therapy
How Is Play Therapy Different
“Play is the child’s language
and toys are the child’s words!”
Play Therapy is an opportunity for
children to express themselves without
words but rather through play. It can be
difficult for children to sit down and talk
about their fears and their struggles like
most adults. Through play therapy, the
children are given the opportunity to
play in a way that shows the counselor
what the child is thinking and/or what
they are struggling with. With this
information, the child can find ways to
cope with emotions and the different
social difficulties that they may be going
through.
There are many different ways a child
“71% of the children who are in play
can play to show how one feels or what
therapy change in a positive way” (Play
one struggles with. Many don’t know
Therapy). Children who are involved
what the difference is between regular
with play therapy most likely will
play with a child and play therapy.
improve in all of the following: being
Unlike normal play, play therapy focuses
responsible for their actions and
on the child to help him/her solve the
behaviors, being able to solve problems
difficulties he/she may be encountering.
in their own healthy way, learn how to
Some children have unhelpful behaviors
express emotions that they are feeling,
and ways of interacting in different
learn different social skills, and learn
situations. The licensed counselor helps
relational skills involved with the family.
the child practice new ways of
There are many other skills that are
interacting until appropriate and more
gradually developed throughout the
healthy actions are mastered. Along
process in play therapy. Play therapy is
with the therapy that happened during
very important for children to gain skills
the sessions, the family plays an
that are needed for the present and
important role in the child's process of
future.
healing and getting better.