Children communicate through play. Play is the child's language and is a fun, enjoyable activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. Play therapy allows children to express themselves freely without needing the vocabulary that adults have in typical talk therapy. It expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization, and self-efficacy. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego (Landreth, 2002). In addition, play allows us to practice the skills and roles needed for survival.
Although everyone benefits, play therapy is especially appropriate for children ages 3 through 12 years old.
HRCS Policy regarding Child Therapy & Litigations:
When working with a child as the child therapist, I DO NOT and will NOT take on a second role, such as the court evaluator, parent therapist, mediator, or expert witness for one parent. If you are involved in divorce or custody litigation, my role as a therapist is not to make recommendations to the court concerning custody or parenting issues as I'm not a CFI (Child & Family Investigator) or PRE (Parental Responsibilities Evaluator).