Healing Through the Language of Play Therapy
By Shannon Newcomb
The Power of Play Therapy
While generally seen as something done just for fun and a privilege rather than a critical aspect of development, play is essential in everyday life for children. Play therapy is a therapeutic modality that allows for a child’s natural thoughts and feelings to be expressed through engagement with toys, games, and activities. A trained Core Counseling therapist uses the playtime to observe and assess a child’s means of functioning, emotional processing, and general expression. Play therapy allows for individuals to explore their inner feelings and emotions in a more free, open, calming, and less direct or forceful manner.
What is Play Therapy in St. Louis, MO?
According to the founding organization of the modality, Association for Play Therapy (APT), play therapy is “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development” (Association for Play Therapy).
Types of Play Therapy
There are various techniques of play utilized to help with emotional processing and clinical treatment that include but are not limited to:
Game play
Art
Doll Play
The play therapy technique implemented will vary from one client to another and sometimes on a session-by-session basis. Following the client’s lead and accommodating each session’s treatment modalities to the client’s mental, emotional, and physical state in the moment is critical for service effectiveness.
What is Play Therapy Used to Help Treat in St. Louis, MO?
Play therapy is a calming, hands-on, and more “non-directive” approach used to treat a plethora of psychological concerns. These include but are not limited to:
Anxiety
Depression
Physical and emotional abuse
What are the Benefits of Using Play Therapy?
Play is a language that anyone can understand and speak freely. It is a natural means of self-expression that allows one to communicate in ways that words generally fall short or create greater barriers in fully and thoroughly communicating what is truly meant. Play therapy gives children the lead role and power in the therapeutic process, following a more “person-centered” lens.
Play therapy implements a more “hands-on” and “active engagement” approach that allows for the child to feel in control of their reality. It is a safe and effective evidence-based approach that gives a child the power to create the reality they wish to see and challenge the emotional barriers that stand in their way.
Core Counseling provides a safe space for children to be themselves and freely let out what they are naturally expected to hold in. Every child has a true voice and authentic self that they want to release and share with the world but don’t always have the safe space to do so; Core Counseling is here to help. Core Counseling provides a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment for children to be themselves and escape into a world where they are free, accepted, and encouraged to establish the rules and reality they wish to see. Contact us now and begin the journey of helping your child find a brighter tomorrow today.
Begin Play Therapy for Your Child in St. Louis, MO, and Online Throughout the State of Missouri
Your child deserves support towards their emotional and developmental growth in ways that may not be typically recognized or understood by other adults. Our team of play therapists would be honored to offer this support from our St. Louis, MO-based practice and across the state. To start your child’s therapy journey with Core Counseling, please follow these steps:
Contact Core Counseling to get scheduled
Complete intake forms and meet with a caring therapist
Start receiving the support you and your child deserve
Other Services Offered at Core Counseling
At Core Counseling, we offer a variety of mental health services in support of your mental health. These include counseling for teens, anxiety therapy, family therapy, depression treatment, online therapy, therapy for trauma, and couples counseling. Our therapists are also experienced in treating grief, trauma, addiction, anger management, relationship issues, and ADHD. We are also happy to offer support with mood disorders, emotional issues, life transitions, low self-esteem, stress management, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication issues. Feel free to learn more about our practice by visiting our FAQ page, about page, our blog, and other resources. We currently offer Online Therapy and Face-to-Face therapy options! Contact us and Let's Talk!
