Play to heal

When the word therapy comes to mind, many of us envision a solemn, bespectacled gentleman in a tweed jacket. He peers over a notepad asking probing questions about our childhood. The image often involves a patient reclining on a comfortable couch. Add a cosy blanket for comfort and the picture is complete.

Unfortunately, these flawed ideas often deter parents from exploring child psychotherapy for their children. In reality, therapy for children is anything but the stereotype and therapists often use play.

Louise Henderson, a counsellor registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, who specialises in sand play and play therapy, explains, “Play is an essential part of childhood. It serves as a natural mode of expression and exploration. Playing is the innate ability to ease healing and cope with emotional challenges. This makes play therapy a powerful and effective therapeutic approach.

“In fact, it is a specialised form of psychotherapy. Children often find traditional talk therapy difficult and they use play as their language. Through play, they reveal their innermost thoughts and emotions. It provides a familiar and comfortable medium.”

Where do kids ‘play’?

The play therapy room is a carefully designed space. It has various toys, art materials, and other props. The therapist creates an atmosphere of safety, acceptance, and empathy. “This allows children to express themselves without judgement or evaluation. It all happens at their own pace. They develop mastery of themselves and their interactions with their realities. They also build trust and rapport with the therapist,” says Louise.

Therapeutic techniques

Play therapy can be free play or more directive play. The therapist uses a range of therapeutic techniques. One such technique is symbolic play, where the therapist uses toys and other objects to help the child play out their emotions. Puppets are also ‘employed’. This allows the child to role-play or engage in fantasy to experience emotions. It teaches different behaviours and skills to cope with the emotions they identify.

Another significant technique is art therapy. Children express themselves through drawing, painting, and other creative activities. The process of ‘doing’ art externalises uncomfortable feelings. By observing, valuable insights are often gained into their inner world.

Bibliotherapy is another technique. According to Louise, the vehicle of therapy is the telling, writing, or reading of stories. This also fosters the healing process.

Benefits of play therapy

• Emotional expression
Play therapy provides a safe space for children to express their emotions, even for those they might not understand or cannot articulate. Children gain emotional release and relief, reducing feelings of anxiety and frustration.
• Cultivate empathy
The child gets to experience being in someone else’s shoes. It fosters the development of greater empathy towards the self and others. The child learns to respect and accept themselves and others.
• Problem-solving
Play helps to explore and work through problems and conflicts. Role-play scenarios and toys are used to represent real-life situations. This helps to develop problem-solving skills and coping strategies.
• Self-awareness and insight
Children gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions. The therapist helps the child gain insight into their behaviours and feelings. They teach them responsibility for their behaviour, which helps them to develop more successful strategies to deal with everyday life.
• Enhancing communication
Children who struggle with verbal expression find play therapy valuable. It helps improve their communication and social skills. “As they become more comfortable with the therapist, children start to talk,” says Louise.
• Building resilience
Challenging emotions and experiences are processed in a safe and supportive environment. Children develop greater resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms. This prepares them for future life challenges.
• Mastery
The child masters new skills that they can use in their lives outside of the play therapy room. They become more confident in their abilities. Their self-worth and self-confidence increase.

Every element a skilled play therapist uses is a thread woven into the fabric of the child’s emotional well-being. It helps them to walk tall, embrace their uniqueness, and revel in the fullness of their potential. This therapeutic approach empowers children to develop resilience and communication skills. Increased emotional intelligence helps to lay a solid foundation for their future well-being.