Sunday, April 28, 2019

Emotional And Psychological Benefits Of Play Therapy

By Matthew McDonald


Therapy is one of a number of processes used in treating mental conditions. While adults often seek out a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist, play therapist and play therapy are often better options for children. For, this type of therapy has now been acknowledged as one of the best options for three to eleven years, especially when dealing with issues related to brain development.

The practice generally involves children ages three through eleven and provides a method for these young individuals to express experiences and feelings in a safe, self guided healing process. As children often communicate through play, playtime can often become an important aspect of life in which a child learns about oneself and others.

Playtime can also assist children in developing mastery with regards to identifying and bringing innate gifts to the service, which often leads to a stronger sense of self-worth and pride. In addition, play dates and long periods of individual play can assist children explore, discover and become more comfortable in different environments.

Playing can also contribute to the advancement and development of critical thought which can have major benefits when it comes to school and homework. In addition, it is often through playing with others that a child learns to display strong emotional responses and sentiments, many which can provide a feeling of relief. Most often, children do this through fantastical play which is not normally accepted in society at large.

Now considered a valid form of psychotherapeutic counseling, the therapy can assist adults and children in overcoming psychological challenges. When it comes to children, the goal is to help children become more comfortable with overcoming trauma, emotional health, growth, development and social interaction. For, the more a child learns how to interact with other children and adults, the more likely the child will behave and interact appropriately later in life.

The therapy can also be used as a tool for diagnosing a variety of conditions during childhood. In doing so, a therapist will observe a child playing with different types of toys to determine any disturbing or unusual behavior. In most cases, this play along with how the child interacts with the therapist can be used to determine if there are any behavioral issues present inside or outside therapy sessions.

According to several sources, children will often engage in playing to overcome anxiety and emotional blockages. In doing so, this type of therapy becomes a self-help mechanism, especially when children are allowed unstructured play for long periods at a time. At the same time, there can be a need for a parent or therapist to interact and take control of a situation, especially when a child shows signs of distress.

A good example of this type of conversion from non-directed to directed playtime would be when a therapist uses a type of form of therapy to change troubling behavior. In most cases, therapists using this approach are hopeful that the desensitization will take place and lead to positive treatment and outcomes. Whereas, there are also times when the approach can backfire and a therapist must seek out other methods in order to eliminate negative behaviors.

While not labeled until the 1950s, 60s and 70s, this type of therapy has been around since Plato's time. In fact, Plato was the first to recognize the importance of playing. For, it was the great philosopher whom suggested that an hour of playtime could tell more about an individual than an hour long conversation.




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