Understanding Play Therapy: More Than Just Play

What is Play Therapy?

The Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines Play Therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."

The Function of Play Therapy

Play therapy is a technique that utilizes play as a medium to help children communicate, express their emotions, and work through psychological issues. Children often lack the verbal skills to articulate their feelings and experiences, particularly when dealing with trauma, grief, or anxiety. Play provides them a safe space to process these emotions.

As Play Therapists, we observe the child’s play. This can include art, toys, storytelling, role-playing, and other creative expressions. Through this process, children can explore their feelings, develop coping skills, and enhance social interactions.

Gary Landreth, a leading figure in the Play Therapy field, famously said, “Play is a child’s first language.” For Play Therapists, this means entering the child’s world using their first language to help them navigate their challenges. Play Therapy is not just about engagement; it is backed by research validating its effectiveness in treating childhood mental health concerns. There is also research supporting its effectiveness with adults, particularly older adults.

Does Play Therapy Really Work?

Parents often ask if play therapy works and why it is effective. The short answer is YES! As for why it works, this revolves around understanding the Therapeutic Powers of Play.

Therapeutic Powers of Play

There are four core therapeutic powers of play that we focus on during a Play Therapy session:

1. Foster Emotional Wellness

2. Facilitate Communication

3. Increase Personal Strengths

4. Enhance Social Relationships

   
   

In a session, we might be playing with a dollhouse or simulating a restaurant, but we are also exploring relationship patterns and problem-solving. This type of play offers Play Therapists insights into how the child views themselves and their world. Insights from play may not easily emerge in a traditional "talk" therapy session.

As an Adlerian Play Therapist, I closely observe what the play communicates. This helps me understand the child’s “private logic” (their individual beliefs shaped by their worldview) and gives insight into their “lifestyle communication” (how they navigate different life tasks, such as school, home, and friendships).

Building a Safe Environment for Exploration

During sessions, we aim to create a space where a child can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience. We provide the necessary tools and environment for growth, healing, and positive change in the child's life.

Who Provides Play Therapy?

The Association for Play Therapy credentials therapists who complete the necessary training. It is the only authority granting the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) distinction, as well as RPT-S for those providing supervision.

To become a Play Therapist, one must be independently licensed and complete an additional 150 hours of training specific to Play Therapy, plus 50 hours of supervision with a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S). This credential must be renewed annually. Many Play Therapists pursue additional certification in their therapeutic modality.

For instance, during my journey to becoming an RPT, I completed 3200 hours of supervised clinical experience, including both direct-client interaction and indirect work. Additionally, I undertook 100 hours of supervision to obtain my independent license in Arizona (LCSW), 150 hours of Play Therapy-specific training, and another 50 hours of supervision with a second RPT-S supervisor. Moreover, to become a certified Adlerian Play Therapist, I completed an extra 94 hours of Adlerian-specific training, including 50 sessions that focused exclusively on using Adlerian techniques, supplemented by 10 hours of group supervision and 10 hours of consultation.

All this say, Play Therapists invest substantial time and effort honing their craft. They engage in ongoing training to provide top-quality and research-backed services to their clients.

Expertise of Registered Play Therapists

Experts in Child Development

RPTs specialize in child development and understand how children process emotions. They are aware of the developmental stages that children go through. This knowledge allows them to customize therapeutic interventions that are appropriate for their age.

Specialized Knowledge of Play Therapy Techniques

Registered Play Therapists utilize scientifically validated techniques and approaches, making their interventions more effective than those of untrained practitioners. They excel in various types of play (e.g., art, sand play, role play), helping to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Their ability to choose beneficial play materials is crucial for facilitating healing during sessions.

Client-Centered, Holistic Approach

Registered Play Therapists recognize each child is unique. They do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they tailor therapy to the individual needs of the child. This includes considering the child’s family environment, cultural background, and other external factors. By doing so, they ensure the treatment plan resonates with the child’s experiences and provides necessary support.

Importantly, Play Therapists understand the transformative power of play for growth and healing. They are dedicated clinicians committed to delivering the most research-backed care for their clients.

Play Therapists are also a lot of fun!

For more information about Play Therapy and to find a Play Therapist near you, visit www.a4pt.org.