According to the Association of Play Therapy, (www.a4pt.org)

"Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983). The curative powers inherent in play are used in many ways. Therapists strategically utilize play therapy to help children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings (Gil, 1991). In play therapy, toys are like the child's words and play is the child's language (Landreth, 2002). Through play, therapists may help children learn more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional or social skills deficits (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005). The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play therapy sessions provides a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Moustakas, 1997). Play therapy may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about and resolution of inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking in the child (O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005)."          

   When I invite children to play in my office, I am creating a safe place for them to express themselves. Play provides a way for children not only to express feelings, but to tell their story.  In my office, there are plenty of toys and figures that give children the opportunity to use their imagination and share what is meaningful to them.  Many use Superheroes, army men, dinasaurs, or building blocks to tell their story.  As they talk, I listen and reflect on their story and help them find their own meaning.  

 Play Therapy can be directive or non directive.  The type I use depends on the needs of the child.  Direct Play therapy is the process used by the Therapist that provides clear structure and intentional activities that address certain problems.  An example of Direct Play therapy that I use is the use of an anger journal.  This tool allows children to learn what triggers their anger and then begin to develop coping skills.  Non Direct Play therapy allows the child to lead in therapeutic process.  The therapist then is a nurturing individual that provides a healing relationship for the child to express him/herself.  An example of non directive play therapy is the use of Sand play, in which the child can tell stories using symbols.  These stories then become actual projectives in which the children are talking about themselves.  Both of these processes are valuable and useful.  I believe that it is important to use both types.

I use Play Therapy because I understand the therapeutic process is guided by a relationship between the child and therapist.  The focus is on healing rather than "fixing".    While children can present with behavioral problems that are disruptive to school and home, the behavioral problem can change positively through the healing of emotion and relationships.  Behavior is a result of feeling.  It is my intenetion then to provide a safe place in which children can identify their feelings and find a safe place for expression and hopefully, learn appropriate ways to cope in their world.