PLAY THERAPY
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. When adults have a problem, it helps to share it with a trusted friend or therapist. Children's ability to express themselves in words is not like adults'. That's why it's hard for them to put into words what is bothering them. Play therapy gives children the chance to communicate their thoughts, feelings, needs and desires through play (their most natural form of expression). With a trained Play Therapist, children learn to better understand themselves and their world, work to solve their problems, and develop the skills necessary to better cope with life.
Why Does My Child Need Play Therapy?
At some point in the growth process, many children may have difficulty coping with life experiences or exhibit behaviors that worry their parents or teachers. If you, your child's teacher or doctor, are concerned about your child's behavior or find that your child is having trouble coping, you should consult a specialist; The recommended approach to helping your child is often play therapy.
What Can I Expect From Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a process in which the therapist establishes a secure relationship with the child, the child's problems are exposed or worked on, solutions are found, new skills are practiced, and closure is prepared. Mood and behavioral changes during play therapy are a normal and expected outcome. Sometimes things seem to be getting worse rather than better. This is expected and normal. If you notice this, discuss it with your child's therapist. In addition, in play therapy, the therapist will not force the child about information about his life or traumatic experience, but will allow the child to process problems at his own pace. In the play therapy room, the child will have more freedom than in other areas of his life. We can say that all kinds of feelings and thoughts of the child are accepted during the therapy session. Freedom in the therapy room is necessary so that the child feels accepted, in a safe enough environment to open up and work on their problems and fears. Behaviors set in a play therapy setting are those that may harm the child, therapist, or play therapy materials. Boundaries are necessary so that the child can feel safe in his environment. Setting boundaries and providing appropriate options helps the child learn self-control and increase self-esteem.
How Do I Talk to My Child After a Therapy Session?
It is important that your child does not feel obligated to tell everything that happens in play therapy. The child should see the therapy hour as a private time between himself and his therapist. Allow your child to start a conversation about his or her therapy, but also recognize the right and freedom not to speak up.
How often and for how long should the child come to play therapy?
Every child progresses at a different pace in the therapy process. Therefore, the duration of therapy varies according to the personality of the child, the degree of trauma, home and life conditions. Consistent progress of the sessions will be of the greatest benefit to your child, as children develop better when there is structure and consistency. For this reason, it is important that you bring your child to the scheduled session regularly.
What Should I Expect from My Child After Therapy Ends?
During therapy, the therapist will notice that your child is no longer using time therapeutically. In other words, when the child's old play style and intensity changes and turns into a play style suitable for his age and development, it means that it is time for your child to graduate from therapy.
As children grow, their thoughts and life experiences are processed more maturely and differently, so your child may experience new coping difficulties or exhibit behaviors that cause you anxiety. You can bring your child back to therapy when you or other adults in the child's life notice problems with their coping skills or worrying behavior.
When Should I Talk to The Therapist?
Your child's therapist will want to meet with you regularly to discuss his or her progress. He or she will ask you to attend the sessions from time to time. In this case, the therapist will provide you with support and guidance throughout the session. Of course, you can also request a private meeting if there is an alarming development about the child between sessions.
What can I do in the sessions?
Before each session:
Arrive a few minutes early to allow time for your child to take care of their needs.
Confirm that you will wait for him when the session is over.
*Parent/concerned person must stay at the center while their child is in therapy.*
During the consultation process:
You play a very important role in your child's life; You can also play a strong role during his therapy time. You can also bring your own will to learn tools that will allow your child to generalize what they have learned in therapy at school and at home. These tools can improve your relationship with your child. The therapist can give you resources to read while your child is in therapy or in family sessions. Please agree to apply these suggestions at home.
Sp. Kl. Psk. Dr. Birgul EMIROGLU BAKAY
Cati Psikoloji Danismanlik ve Egitim Merkezi
0 (362) 437 58 88 - 0 (553) 788 94 88
Guzelyali Mah. 3055. Sok. No:3 D:1 ATAKUM / SAMSUN
Instagram: /birgulbakay
/catipsikoloji
