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Healing Through Play
Often, children experience stress that can lead to behavioral, emotional and/or physiological issues. This stress can be caused by family or peer conflict, a recent move or family change, medical trauma, abuse, or any other disruption or distressing event. Symptoms of stress may present as chronic bedwetting, frequent anger fits and aggression, social withdrawal, decline in academic functioning, difficulty sleeping or eating, or recurrent nightmares (all beyond normal developmental expectations). Play Therapy is a method used by child therapists to facilitate emotional healing through a child's natural form of communication-play. Using play therapy allows children to manipulate the world on a smaller scale using specially chosen toys to "play out" feelings associated with their stress. Working out feelings through play typically brings hidden emotions to the surface for the child to face and begin the process of coping. The child additionally benefits from the therapist's unconditional positive regard and the stable and secure environment that is maintained throughout the course of therapy. Most commonly, children who are ages 3-8 years benefit from play therapy; however, older children may prefer to express themselves through play rather than talk and other therapies. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child's behavior you may talk with his/her pediatrician to determine if the behavior warrants concern. If you would like more information about play therapy for your child, you may contact me at the number below. Dana Gillispie, LCSW
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