“Play Therapy is based upon the fact that play is the child’s natural medium of self expression. It is an opportunity which is given to the child to ‘playout’ his feelings and problems just as in certain types of adult therapy and individual ‘talks out’ his difficulties.” (Virgina Axline)
“Play Therapy, a modality of child therapy, is a powerful tool for addressing cognitive, behavioral and emotional challenges. Licensed professionals use play therapeutically to help clients better process their experiences and develop more effective strategies for managing their worlds.” (Association for Play Therapy)
Research suggest that Play Therapy is an effective mental health approach, regardless of age, gender, or the nature of the problem, and works best when a parent, family member, or caretaker is actively involved in the treatment process.
Our Intake Procedure for play therapy commences with a four segment evaluation process.
Session 1: Parent(s) Intake (90 minutes),
Session 2: Family session (50 minutes),
Session 3: One individual Child session (50 minutes)
Session 4: Parent Feedback and treatment planning session (50 minutes)
A Parent/Caregiver is required to bring the child to each play therapy session. We begin the session with a brief “check-in” where the parent and child are encouraged to address the concerns which brought the family to seek therapy.
After the check in we begin the play therapy session without the parent(s) – unless warranted. The parent(s) will be required to come in for a parent session after every 4th child session. The parent session will be where feedback by therapist and parent is exchanged. Parenting challenges and child’s progress are addressed.