Play Therapy: The Approach
So what are these toys for and what do they mean? That is the very question that play therapy can answer for you. In general, all toys in the play room are purposeful, meaning that they are in there for a reason. Play therapists have been trained to respond to children in ways that facilitate emotional growth and change. In play therapy, children use dolls, art, puppets, and other expressive toys to say what they think and how they feel. Let’s look at the “Aggressive Corner” in Life Tree’s play room.
Play Therapy And How It Can Be Interpreted
The Aggressive corner is important because unfortunately some children have been abused. As they try to make sense out of what has happened to them, they may re-enact the event or display aggressive acts or revenge that they would like to inflict upon their perpetrator. Some of the toys consist of toy guns, toy knives, black mask, arms-length rope, and handcuffs. Children will often use these aggressive toys with puppets or the bendable people that represent themselves, friends, or family members. Sometimes toys are also taken inside the house or to the kitchen. As a play therapist, I am looking for themes and the emotions that are elicited by your child as he or she plays. The play room serves as a safe place for the child to be themselves and cope with issues of abuse or the like as they release emotions and head towards a breakthrough.
Need to talk? Our counselors are flexible with their schedules and some even work weekends! Call us right now at 972-234-6634. We’ll return your call within 60 minutes (really!), or you can schedule an appointment using our online appointment system. We do look forward to meeting you.
