Play in Therapy

Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate way for children to express emotions, process experiences, and build healthy coping skills. At Empower Play, we offer play therapy in Green Bay, WI that meets children where they are and supports growth through connection, creativity, and trust. In a safe and supportive environment, children are given the space to explore feelings, strengthen emotional regulation, and move toward healing at their own pace.

What is Play Therapy?

“Play is a child’s natural means of communication”
~ Gray Landreth

What is Play Therapy? Play Therapy is the use of toys and other play materials to create changes in children’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Play Therapy does not only include the use of toys but music, art, dance, and other creative strategies. Although sometimes used with adults, play therapy is an approach typically used to help children ages 3 and up. The job of the Play Therapist is to identify what specific type of Play Therapy that will benefit your child most and set up the conditions and tools needed to help your child work through the mental health difficulties that brought them into therapy. The way the therapist engages in your child’s play is specific to their mental health difficulties and the goals your child is working towards. Through Play Therapy children learn self-control, emotional awareness, and problem-solving skills, they develop increased confidence and self-esteem. Whether struggling with behaviors, a mental health diagnosis, trauma, or a life adjustment Play Therapy can help!

Non-Directive Play in Therapy

In non-directive play therapy, the child leads, and the therapist follows. The child mostly guides the session. The therapist may place specific toys in the playroom, but it’s up to the child to decide how to play. That means that the child chooses what to play with and talk about during the session. This may include choosing NOT to play or talk. All of these choices are part of the therapy process and are welcomed as important.

Directive Play in Therapy

A type of play therapy where the therapist guides the child through specific play activities directed at meeting specific goals and outcomes. Providing instructions and supervision, the therapist helps the child express emotions and explore experiences. This approach is often used to address behavioral issues or to enhance specific skills.

Cognitive Behavioral Play in Therapy

Combines cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with play therapy. It helps children learn to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors through play. The therapist may create scenes from the child’s life and uses techniques like role playing, desensitization, and modeling to help the child develop coping skills and positive behaviors.

Why Play Works?

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