Play Therapy

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood,” by Fred Rogers. As this quote from the iconic “Mr. Rogers” reminds us, it has not been long in our society since child’s play and play in general has been found to be, not a luxury, but an essential part of growing and learning. And with the development of Play Therapy came the idea that play is also healing.

But how can play really help? Many parents may be encouraged to take their young child to a “play therapist” to work on behavioral or emotional challenges they may be experiencing. Play allows the therapist or parent to meet the child where they are. Whatever the child’s age, ability, personal or cultural background, play with a trained play therapist, whether individual or with family members, can allow the child to communicate what they feel and need whether in a simple or elaborate fashion. This ultimately creates (pardon the pun) a “level playing field."

Valerie Wilson-Lindberg, LCSW | Feb 1, 2019