As a parent or guardian, you'll definitely be concerned when something seems off with your child's emotions or behavior. While seeking out a therapist may be the best decision for your child, it can also make you feel like you've failed in some way.

Thankfully, child play therapy provides an alternative approach to traditional talk therapy. Through play, children can express themselves and work through emotional difficulties in a natural and enjoyable way. Here are a few key takeaways for parents and guardians considering child play therapy as an option.

Trust in the Process

Unlike traditional therapy, child play therapy involves playtime, with the therapist encouraging the child to engage in activities that they enjoy. This can include things like drawing, painting, toys, and games.

The goal is to help the child feel comfortable and safe in the therapeutic space while also providing a way for them to express themselves in a way that may not be possible through traditional talk therapy.

As a parent or guardian, it is important to trust your child's therapist and the process they are taking your child on. It's easy to be concerned when you don't know what's happening or how it will help, but the therapist is there to guide your child in a way they can understand and benefit from.

Make sure to ask questions if you have any, but also be open-minded, no matter how slow you think the process is.

Understand the Benefits

While child play therapy may seem like just a time for kids to play, it actually has many benefits. In addition to allowing children to express themselves in a natural and non-threatening way, child play therapy can also provide emotional and behavioral benefits.

Through play, children can develop problem-solving skills, regulate their emotions, and gain confidence in their abilities. For example, if a child is struggling with aggression, the therapist will help them find ways to handle it in less destructive ways. The games they play may also help them recognize how their actions affect others, which can help them develop empathy and responsibility.

Child play therapy can also help children who've experienced trauma or other emotional difficulties learn to cope and work through their experiences.

Here, they can find a safe space to work through their issues in a way that is understandable and less overwhelming. The atmosphere serves as a distraction from the reality of their experiences while also allowing them to explore and process them more constructively. 

Reach out to a child play therapy clinic near you to learn more.