Play therapy is a therapeutic technique used for children and young teens. It involves the use of toys, art, and games to help young individuals process mental health challenges they encounter throughout their childhood like trauma, behavioral problems, divorce, or bullying.
Thriveworks play therapists in Colorado Springs work with young individuals to help them express themselves, release stress and other emotions, learn about their emotions, and heal from difficult experiences by using toys, games, and art to work through these issues in more digestible and accessible formats.
Play therapy, on average, can take around 20 sessions to effectively address a young individual’s mental health concerns. However, therapy is a very individualized process, meaning that more or fewer sessions might be required depending on the client’s condition and symptoms.
Play Therapy – Counselors and Therapists in Colorado Springs, CO
Children are often difficult for grownups to understand. They may look like mini-adults, but they are far from it! Once we begin to understand their current developmental stage, guess what?! They move to the next one, which leaves us searching to understand once again. Young children don’t have the words to articulate feelings and emotions. Without the ability express themselves, they typically act out their emotions. Trying to understand the meaning behind behavior is tricky – it can be like learning a different language.
Long story short, childhood is an ever-changing stage of life, and it’s important to get our children the help that they need when they need it. If you think your child is struggling with a mental health problem, consider scheduling a play therapy session for them at Thriveworks Colorado Springs. Our expert child therapists will use their expertise and experience to understand and address the presenting problem.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a way of being with a child at their developmental level, helping them to express themselves and resolve problems. Through the use of play and creative activities, the therapist can learn what the child is trying to express. Also, a main goal of play therapy is to teach the child to express themselves in healthy ways. Learning to express empathy, respect and solve problems in a positive manner are all goals of play therapy.
When Is Play Therapy Used?
Play therapy is used as an intervention and/or support for behavioral problems or behavioral disorders such as:
- Anger
- Grief and loss
- Divorce
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD)
- Autism
- Academic and social developmental concerns
- Conduct disorders
Therapeutic play provides children opportunities to express themselves at their own pace. When a child partners with a therapist who is calm, genuine and has a positive regard for the child, the child will have assurance that they will be understood and accepted.
Schedule Play Therapy at Thriveworks Colorado Springs
At Thriveworks Colorado Springs, our counselors will work with your child through play therapy to help sort through confusing issues, cope with difficult circumstances or even confirm that your child is emotionally healthy and growing in confidence.
Call 719-266-3919 to schedule an appointment. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept most major insurances. Our child therapists are compassionate and experts at their jobs. They look forward to talking to you and meeting your child.
