Play Therapy

DEFINITION

Most commonly used with children, play therapy is the use of play to treat mental health issues and psychosocial issues. Play therapy allows non-verbal expression and communication of thoughts and emotions.

HISTORY

The first recorded case of play therapy “Little Hans” is from 1909 of Sigmund Freud working with a 5-year-old boy. The Association for Play Therapy was established in 1982. Play therapy can be divide into two categories, non-directive and directive respectively.

STATISTICS

Overall improvement of clients after play therapy using data from research in 2006 by PTUK

TRENDS OVER TIME

Showcasing the relationship between communication patterns and different techniques utilized in play therapy

REAL LIFE EXAMPLES

PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

Puppet play may be used. Clients can be presented with dolls and encouraged to recreate distressing scenes they have difficulty speaking out about. This allows therapists to gain a deeper understanding of the situation through the genuine reactions of the client.

Dealing with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)

EFFECT ON MENTAL HEALTH

As a result of the challenges of expressing emotions and painful experiences verbally, the use of play in play therapy provides a safe environment allowing the client to communicate their thoughts with others comfortably and express their most genuine feelings and emotions. By speaking out their feelings, their emotional burden can be alleviated and play therapists can help improve their ability to face their struggles. In addition to that, clients will learn to control and cope with their emotions and past trauma, lessening their distress as a result