Essentials Of Play Therapy Littleton Co Residents May Find Beneficial

By Gary Allen


Play therapy is a form of treatment used in children to address certain problems troubling their little minds. It is usually indicated for children aged between three to eleven years. However, in selected cases, this form of treatment can also be used in adults. Some of the tools available for use include dolls, pets and play houses among others. We will look at some of the basic principles on play therapy Littleton Co residents may find beneficial.

This therapy can be largely categorized as either non-directive or directive. Also known as psychodynamic treatment, the non-directive approach gives the client total freedom to play whichever way they want to. Directive therapy, on the other hand, gives the therapist some control over the sessions . Directive treatment can alternatively be called cognitive behavioral therapy.

The non-directive form of treatment shows no intrusion whatsoever. The patient is free express themselves as they so wish. In the process, they gain revelation and confidence on how to handle their troubles. It is highly recommended if the patient is an adult. Watching from afar, the therapist can be able to arrive at a diagnosis based on moves made by the client.

In the case of directive method, guidance has to be provided by the psychiatrist to ensure the client makes the right moves. The disadvantage of this is that it denies the individual the will to act as they wish. In spite of this, the client is able to rightly approach matters after a short period of time, thanks to the insight provided by the therapist.

Parents can also be involved in playing with their children during sessions to facilitate bonding. This is highly recommended for children who have undergone traumatizing events such as separation between parents, hospital admissions or road traffic accidents. Playing with their parents helps them find solace and healing from their misfortune.

Directive treatment may be difficult to use in toddlers, given the cognitive level required. This, however, does not mean it is entirely useless in the very young age group. The therapist needs to be creative and find ways of driving the point home. For instance, they can use dolls, wooden carvings and stuffed animals to create stories relevant to the child.

Efficacy of therapy depends on both client and therapist factors. The client, for example, needs to have the right attitude towards the entire process . The therapist, on the other hand, needs to be skilled in creating a good rapport with their client. This in turn will determine the number of sessions required for complete healing. Going by the age factor, efficacy has been shown not to vary.

To conclude, it is important to state that play therapy is crucial to both individuals and groups of people. It comes to the aid of both the young and the old. Ultimately, it provides the much needed breakthrough for those who require it.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment