Every now and then, it helps to have a special place to play when things are hard
Play is the natural language of the child. Some children find it hard to explain what is troubling them, so they use play to communicate their thoughts, feelings and experiences through carefully selected toys in a specially designed playroom with a play therapist. Through the process of play therapy, children could develop strategies to help themselves and build up their own resilience. Play therapy supports children between 4 and 16 years old.
Children's voices
Children can be troubled by many experiences such as difficulties at school, illness, family changes, trauma, lack of friends, bullying and so on. These "troubles" or stress can hurt the children's physiological and psychological development. They can also lead to difficulty in day to day functioning and learning at school, home, and with life in general.
Some children cope well with their troubles, but some children express their anxieties and needs through psychosomatic symptoms such as headache, stomachache, bowel movement problems, poor appetite, sleeping problems, rash…without a physiological cause. Some expresses through irregular behaviors such as being clingy, not wanting to go to school, outburst of anger and even aggression.
The use of play
Play Therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach developed to help children aged 4 to 16. It helps kids cope with stress and a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. A safe playroom is created to allow the child to play with a few necessary limits so that he/she can feel secure to process their journey of healing in many levels. A qualified play therapist works with the child to explore and resolve her/his problems. During the process of play therapy, children will be building strategies to cope with the difficulties they are facing in real life which they cannot change. This process provides children with support for the development of healthier brain, healthier behaviors, better self confidence and a more positive view of their future life.
What to expect?
Child's first visit
Your child's first visit is usually around 40 to 60 minutes depending on the age. During this visit, the therapist will explain to the child what happens in the "play room". The child will have free access to a roomful of toys and materials. The therapist will explain that to keep the room safe, limits need to be set as and when needed. This visit will give the child the opportunity to meet the therapist and explore the room and its contents.
Child's play visit
Your child will come once a week, for usually 12 weeks (number of sessions is depended on the assessment outcome). Each visit will typically last for 40-50 minutes, depending on the age. This will ensure consistency is established and that your child feels safe. During each visit, your child will be given the opportunity to play out what is troubling them; they will be given the chance to understand their muddled feelings, so that they can increase their coping skills needed to succeed in life.
Parent meeting
Before your child comes for their first visit, therapist will meet with the parent for a parent session which usually last for an hour. You will have the opportunity to talk about your child, and talk about any concerns that you may want to address and what goals you would like to accomplish. It gives you and the therapist time to build a trusting relationship. You will also be asked to complete an interview form and an assessment. The interview form gives the therapist a better understanding of your child's development and background so as to give the best support that he/she needs. The assessment of your child helps us assess your child's emotional and behavioral well-being. All information provided will be kept confidential.
Parent meeting will be arranged at some intervals during your child's play therapy sessions.