PLAY THERAPY

Play therapy is a highly effective technique that involves using children's play interactions to

resolve difficulties, encourage growth and promote healing. Children often are unable to verbally

express their feelings, so play is used as a medium for children to process and assess appropriate

coping skills, behaviours and world views.

NEED FOR PLAY THERAPY

Playing is a child's natural way to communicate and cannot be taught .Children use play as their

language to understand and explain their world . In play therapy, children feel free to join the

therapist and play out their problems and express their feelings in a safe and trusted setting

BENEFITS OF PLAY THERAPY

Extensive research has shown play therapy to be the most effective way to connect with children

therapeutically and it is successful in working with a variety of populations and their diverse

struggles and issues. Play therapy helps children:

- Feel understood and validated in their feelings

- Process life-stressors and events in a healthy manner

- Become more responsible for behaviours and develop successful coping strategies

- Develop new and creative problem-solving skills

- Develop respect, empathy and acceptance of self and others

- Learn to understand, experience and express emotion appropriately

- Manage behaviours and learn self-regulating techniques

- Learn new social skills and relational skills with family and peers

- Develop self-competency and thus a better assuredness about their abilities

INDICATIONS

➢ These could include children with behavioral disorders or learning disabilities. There has

been some research into the effectiveness of play therapy on children with the following

conditions: Autism

➢ Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

➢ Depression

➢ Anxiety disorders

➢ Post-traumatic stress disorder

➢ Physical and emotional trauma

➢ Sexual abuse

➢ Physical or emotional abuse

TYPES OF PLAY THERAPY

There are two types of play therapy:

- Child-Centered Play Therapy: This type of play therapy is child-led. During sessions, the

therapist does not have a specific agenda, nor do they make recommendations or interrupt the child's

play. The child is given the full opportunity and attention to show what they need to work through.

- Synergetic Play Therapy: This type of play therapy is a researched-informed model of play

therapy blending the therapeutic power of play with the nervous system regulation, interpersonal

neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness and therapist authenticity. Its primary play therapy

influences are Child-Centred, Experiential and Gestalt Theories .

TECHNIQUES

Many different techniques can be applied during play therapy. The technique used during a therapy

session largely depends on your child’s needs and what play mediums they feel most comfortable

using. A typical play therapy session usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. During a play therapy

session, the therapist will create a comfortable and safe environment for the child to play. The

therapist will then observe the child’s interactions with the toys that are provided. As the child

grows more comfortable in the therapist’s playroom, more specific play activities that target the

issues the child is dealing with will be introduced. Some of the most common techniques used by

play therapists across the world include:

➢ Using building blocks

➢ Using art

➢ Sand play

➢ Board games

➢ Play with dolls

➢ Puppet play

➢ Tea party play

➢ Card games

➢ Strategy games like chess or checkers

➢ Hide-and-seek

➢ LEGO play

THINGS TO CONSIDER

While a play therapist will take the lead during play therapy, the child’s parent or guardian also

has an important role to play. The play therapist will typically have a joint consultation with the

parent and guardian and the child and also separate consultations with all parties involves. This

is done to completely understand the child’s needs. When looking for a play therapist for your

child, it’s important to ensure they have the relevant experience and expertise.

HOW TO GET STARTED

If you have a child who might benefit from play therapy or know someone who could you

should get started by getting in touch with a licensed psychologist or psychotherapist who has

experience dealing with children, and with play therapy. Play therapy is typically done over

several sessions, it’s also important to work with someone with who your child feels absolutely

comfortable.
 Case Study

Name: David

Age: 7

Grade: 2nd

Diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Combined Type

Background:

David is a 7-year-old boy who lives with his parents and younger sister. He was diagnosed with
ADHD at the age of 6 after his parents and teachers noticed significant difficulties with attention,
impulsivity, and hyperactivity. David's parents reported that he has always been a high-energy
child, but his symptoms have worsened over the past year, making it difficult for him to focus in
class and complete homework.

Symptoms:

- Difficulty sustaining attention in class and during homework

- Frequently loses focus and gets distracted by small things

- Impulsive behaviour, such as interrupting others and blurting out answers

- Hyperactivity, such as fidgeting and restlessness

- Difficulty following rules and completing tasks

- Struggles with organization and time management

Goals:

- Improve attention and focus in class and during homework

 - Reduce impulsive behavior and increase self-control

- Decrease hyperactivity and increase ability to sit still

- Improve organization and time management skills

- Enhance overall academic performance and social relationships

Interventions:

- Behavioural Therapy: Work with David to identify and change negative thought patterns
and behaviours that contribute to his ADHD symptoms.

- Play Therapy: Use play activities to help David develop self-regulation skills, such as
attention and impulse control.

- Parent Training: Educate David's parents on how to create a structured and supportive
environment at home, including setting clear rules and consequences, providing positive
reinforcement, and encouraging organization and time management skills.

- Academic Accommodations: Work with David’s teachers to provide accommodations, such

as extra time to complete assignments, a quiet workspace, and frequent breaks.

Progress:

- After 6 months of therapy, David showed significant improvement in attention and impulse
control.

- He was able to complete homework assignments with minimal distractions and interruptions.

- His teachers reported a decrease in hyperactive behavior and an increase in on-task behavior.

- David's parents reported a significant reduction in arguments and conflicts at home.

Conclusion:

David's case study demonstrates the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment plan that
addresses the multiple facets of ADHD. By combining behavioural therapy, play therapy, parent
training, and academic accommodations, David was able to manage his symptoms and improve
his overall functioning. This case study highlights the importance of a collaborative approach
between therapists, parents, and teachers to support children with ADHD.

Reference

➢ Bratton S. (2015). Integrating play therapy into counseling practice. Alexandria, VA:
American Counselling Association.
➢ Ray D. (2017). Advanced play therapy: Essential conditions, knowledge, and skills for
child practice. New York: Rutledge.
➢ Blanco PJ. (2018). Play therapy with children and adolescents: A framework for practice.
New York: Guilford Press.
➢ O'Connor K. (2020). Play therapy for children with ADHD: A pilot study. Journal of
Attention Disorders, 24(5), 751-761.