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Parents: What To Expect In Play Therapy

12/2/2015

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Please take a moment to read these five main points regarding the theory of child-centered play and what to expect before your child begins.​

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1. It's Not Just Play-Time

​Your child may report that he or she just played and did artwork. This does NOT mean that the therapy session was simply “play-time.” While play therapy is fun for the child involved, it also involves “work.” However, the work isn’t like schoolwork. They use the toys to process and work through whatever it is they are struggling with utilizing symbolism, metaphors and analogies to express themselves accurately. A child might use an egg to represent feeling breakable, dragons may represent their anger (or an annoying sibling), and fences or barriers may be a child’s way of feeling trapped or contained. Toys give children the freedom to express themselves in a way that makes sense to them when words just don’t seem to fit right. Play Therapy uses this form of expression to facilitate such things as healing, growth, and development.

2. It's Not a Quick-Fix

Therapy with children does not work overnight. One of the most important aspects of play therapy is the relationship between the child and therapist. Like any therapeutic relationship, trust, safety and security are vital. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a sense of safety and security is second only to food and shelter. Therefore, when children enter the play therapy room, they won’t find a counselor sitting in a grown up chair looking down at them asking questions, like most other adults they know. Instead, they will see their counselor on the floor with toys and objects that speak their language. Rather than being told what to do and given a lot of rules to follow, they will be given the freedom to explore and decide how they want to spend their time. The first few play sessions with a child center around building trust and safety rather than jumping straight to the problem at hand. Once the rapport is built however, a child feels safe enough to begin diving into what has brought him/her to therapy. Then the next phase of therapy begins.

3. Let Your Child Lead

Please do not ask your child what he did during a play therapy session.  He will offer the information he wants you to know.  Most of the therapeutic process is subconscious, and it may confuse your child by asking probing questions. The purpose of play therapy, especially with younger children, is not to expect the child to verbalize the therapeutic process, but instead for you to see decreased symptoms and improved functioning in significant areas of his or her life over time.

4. Refrain From Giving Updates

​Your therapist will come to meet you and your child in the waiting room, then take the child into the therapy room. Please do not update your therapist about your child in the waiting room with your child present. It is important that your child feel like the therapy time is his or hers. However, it is appropriate for you to leave me a confidential voicemail, send an email, or hand me a brief note at the beginning of session describing concerns, improvements, etc. If you begin to tell me an update, I will kindly remind you that the therapy time is for your child and that we can schedule a time to meet individually. ​Depending on the case, I usually meet with parents individually and/or with the child around every 4th session or so. Please let me know if something has come up and we can schedule a session before that. 

5. Trust the Power of Play

Children often come into play therapy defeated, confused, overwhelmed, and feeling as though their world is out of control. However, once a child enters play therapy and realizes that it is a world they can understand and communicate in, they often visibly relax. Allowing children this freedom to explore what is bothering them is healing in and of itself. Children heal from a nasty divorce, learn to calm themselves before they explode into a temper tantrum, and develop a high level of confidence to overcome struggles with anxiety, depression, or bullying. They move from self-loathing to self-acceptance and high self-esteem. That is the power of play.
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How To Survive Thanksgiving Political Disputes (Without Strangling Aunt Cathy)

11/23/2015

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We all know the scenario hilariously played out on last Saturday’s SNL skit: you’re sitting around the thanksgiving dinner table when Aunt Cathy inevitably starts spouting off her doggedly absurd political views (insert eye roll) and it takes all you can muster not to reach across the table and strangle her. Well take heart: it need not come to this. Here are some tips to help you handle the annual holiday dinner without it swiftly turning into Battle Royale.

1. Make a Plan

This isn’t your first rodeo. You know the deal: after a few glasses of wine Aunt Cathy won’t stop with her political rantings, which just so happen to entirely contradict your rational and wisely chosen political ideals. You feel your heart start beating fast and your face grow hot. What is she saying?! Take a deep breath and remember your plan.
 
Many of us run the worst-case scenarios in our mind and brace ourselves for a nasty encounter. This can do more harm more than good as it raises anxiety. Try to reframe the scenario in your mind. Say, “This might be stressful, but I can handle it. I’ve been through worse!”
 
Use “If-Then” statements. You know what to expect, so plan your response. “If Uncle Larry starts talking about the refugee issue I am going to calmly tell him ‘I understand you’re coming from but I have respectfully have an alternate viewpoint.’” Another example: “If Uncle Larry won’t let it go, I will excuse myself to the bathroom.” 
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2. Use Active Listening

​We all want to be heard. These issues are important to us, and rightfully so. When a family member makes a statement that disagrees with the core of your beliefs, it’s only natural to have a strong desire to assert your opposing view. And you can.
 
But first, wait. Take a deep breath. And remember this:
 
When people truly feel heard, they are in a much better place to listen to what you have to say.
 
In other words, if you want Aunt Cathy to gain a shred of understanding toward your opposing viewpoint, you first must listen to her and make her feel heard. The next important thing to remember:
 
You can listen to and understand an opinion without subscribing to it.
 
It’s true. You can. And you should! The foundation for healthy communication is active listening. You won’t have time to teach a psychology class during Thanksgiving dinner but you can guide the table toward healthy communication by example.
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​First, note your body language. Are your arms crossed or are they by your sides and relaxed? Make a mental note to do a quick body scan. Take deep breaths, relax your muscles, sit up straight, open your shoulders. Make eye contact, nod, and acknowledge you’re listening to what the other person is saying. Our brains subconsciously register aggressive body language in a split second and respond negatively without us even being aware. Positive body language = positive verbal interaction.
Next, muster up your best empathy skills. In this situation it's going to be hard but you can do it! Of course, empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and imagine what things are like from their perspective. You’ve got to really divorce yourself from your own personal views for a moment (not forever, just for a few minutes!) and see things through Aunt Cathy's eyes.
 
Convey this by summarizing what she’s just said, and authentically tell her how it is you understand what she’s saying. For example, you might say something like, “I can see how you feel that refugees shouldn’t be let into our country. It can be really scary to think that they might put our lives in direct danger. It sounds like you’re saying protection is really important to you. I can understand and appreciate that. I want to feel safe, too.”
 
Ask her to explain anything you might not completely understand. (Remember, you don’t have to believe it to understand it!) This also shows the speaker that you care about what they have to say and want to know more. You could say, “Tell me more about your thoughts on __________ and why you think _____________.” You don’t have to go on forever. A little of this will go a long way in making stubborn Aunt Cathy feel heard and ultimately hear YOUR point of view.
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3. Change the Subject

​ You have a 0.01% chance of changing Aunt Cathy’s vote over turkey dinner by arguing with her. Studies have shown that it is rare for a person to change their political opinion through argument. So is it worth it?
 
Depending on your relationship and energy level, sometimes it’s just not. In which case, change the subject. This doesn’t mean you have to agree. Be authentic. Say, “I hear what you’re saying, Aunt Cathy; I respectfully have a different view. To tell you the truth I’ve had so many of these difficult political conversations lately I just don’t have energy for another one right now if you don’t mind. I would really like to hear about your new job though. How is that going?” Chances are, she'll really want to talk about it.

4. Be Kind

​This goes without saying, but don’t belittle anyone for not agreeing with your views. Ultimately it does nothing more than solidify their view, hurt your relationship, and make you look bad. A little kindness can go a long way to help make the holidays positive. Remember, you don’t have to go home with this person, you just have to eat turkey with them for an hour. Be kind, and see number 5…  

5. Give Thanks

​It’s Thanksgiving, after all. When we are mindful of all we have to be thankful for, getting into arguments is less likely. So when you’re taking the trip to gather around the table with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, remember to be thankful, be kind, come prepared with a plan, use your active listening skills, and if necessary, deflect the conversation.
 
…And if none of these suggestions end up working, you can always just break out the Adele!
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Photo screenshot from SNL YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2zyjbH9zzA
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The Importance of Teaching Children Empathy

11/9/2015

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Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It seems so simple, yet it is an essential (and often overlooked) skill children need to learn in order to develop into healthy adults. As parents, it’s not always in the forefront of our minds, and some may find it a bit odd to think they need to actually teach their child empathy. Doesn’t it just come naturally? 

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Yes and no. Children are born with the aptitude for empathy, but it needs to be taught and encouraged throughout their childhood. Research shows there is a clear correlation between the ability to empathize and future fulfillment and success. Making (and keeping) worthy friends, succeeding in school, attaining a gratifying career, maintaining a healthy marriage, all of these things rely on one critical skill: EMPATHY. ​


​So how can we teach and nurture this key ability?
​Here are three simple guidelines.

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​1. Make your parental expectations clear. 

​Consider the daily messages you send to your child. What does your child believe is your most important expectation? Making good grades? Being happy? Having fun? Although these things certainly have value, it is most important that children understand the significance of caring about others. Before dropping my daughter off at kindergarten each day, I remind her to do her best, to have courage, and to always look for ways to BE KIND to others. When she gets home from school I ask her to share how she showed kindness to others, then praise that behavior. Then I ask her to share about when she noticed others being kind to her, and we talk about being grateful for kindness. This is a vital part of teaching high moral and ethical expectations, and when reinforced daily, a child is well on her way to becoming a proficient empathizer. 
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2. Identify Feelings

​It can be difficult (if not impossible) to practice empathy without understanding specific emotions and being able to identify them in others. Whenever possible, help your child put a name to his or her feelings. When he’s angry, you can say, “It seems like you are feeling really angry right now. It’s okay to feel angry. We all get angry sometimes.” If your son grabs a toy from his sister, you could say “Your sister is crying. It seems like she is sad that you took her toy. What could you do to help her feel better?”
Use books as opportunities to ask your child to identify emotions in the characters of the story. You can also make a game out of it; when you’re out on the playground, try sitting together on a bench and observing others awhile. Pick a person and have your child try to guess what he/she is feeling, and why. Take turns. For instance, “See that little girl standing at the top of the slide? She looks like she doesn’t want to go down. Maybe she is feeling afraid. What do you think?” Sesame Street has a great segment called “Name That Emotion.” Check it out. Watch it with your kids!

3. Be a Role Model

​You’ve heard it before but it’s worth repeating: your kids are constantly watching you and learning how to behave by your actions. Even when you think they don’t notice, they are observing your every move. Ask yourself how you are practicing empathy and compassion in your daily life? Take your child to volunteer at a charitable organization. Explain that some families struggle to have enough to eat, and some children don’t have many toys. Encourage your child to give to others less fortunate and emphasize the feelings that accompany giving (joy, pride, worth) as well as receiving (grateful, happy, etc). 
​Don't be afraid to show your child your emotions—even the negative ones. We all get angry. We try to stay in control, but don’t beat yourself up if you lose your temper and yell at your child every once and awhile. Everyone makes mistakes! What’s important is showing your child that you’re a real person who sometimes gets angry, makes mistakes, and is able to apologize for them. That leads to an excellent opportunity to role-model how to give a sincere apology, which is also an important skill (unfortunately with which many adults still struggle-- save that for another post!)
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​I’ve had many parents ask me if it’s okay for their children to see them cry, or if it’s appropriate for them to attend a family member’s funeral. The answer is yes, it’s fine. Most often it can ultimately be a positive experience. Be honest and authentic with your child. In kid terms, share with him why you’re sad and the different emotions you may be feeling. Share with him what helps to get you through difficult and sad times. These are all teaching opportunities that will not only help him learn empathy and coping skills, but will also foster insight, courage, authenticity and trust.
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​As a therapist, I have seen many children and adolescents with academic problems, school and family conflict, aggression, anxiety, depression and more because they haven’t been routinely taught the skills to learn empathy. With the influx in bullying and violence beginning earlier now than ever, it’s time that we as parents make teaching empathy a priority. By making your parental expectations clear, teaching to identify feelings, and consistently monitoring your own behaviors as a role model, you can make a lasting positive change throughout the world. It starts with you. It starts with our children. 
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​Chantal D. Hayes, MA, LPCA, NCC, CLC
Licensed Clinical Therapist


References:
 
Dewar, Gwen, Ph.D. (2009-2014). Teaching empathy: Evidence-based tips for fostering empathy in children. http://www.parentingscience.com/teaching-empathy-tips.html#sthash.HsaVK1hh.dpuf
 
Joyce, Amy. (July 18, 2014) Are you raising nice kids? A Harvard psychologist gives 5 ways to raise them to be kind. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2014/07/18/are-you-raising-nice-kids-a-harvard-psychologist-gives-5-ways-to-raise-them-to-be-kind/
 
Lahey, Jessica. (September 4, 2014.) Teaching Children Empathy. http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/04/teaching-children-empathy/?_r=0
 
VanClay, Mary. (2008). The caring child: How to teach empathy. http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-caring-child-how-to-teach-empathy_67146.bc
 
Weissbourd, Richard, and Jones, Stephanie. How Parents Can Cultivate Empathy in Children. Harvard Graduate School of Education. http://sites.gse.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/making-caring-common/files/empathy.pdf
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How To Raise a Criminal

10/27/2015

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This tongue-in-cheek piece is adapted from an old facsimile I found in a parenting workbook I put together from my years spent working in case management, social work, and Intensive-In Home Services, often with adolescents in the juvenile justice system. I don't know who the original author is but I know it's old. I made a few changes to reflect present issues, but it still rings true!

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How To Raise a Criminal


​1.  From the time your child is born, give him everything he wants. Make sure he thinks the world owes him something for being alive. 

2.  Just "let it go" when he hurts you or others. It can also be helpful to laugh and make him think it's cute.

3.  Never give her any spiritual or moral guidance. Let her decide all that on her own.

4.  Avoid using the word "wrong." It may give your child a guilt complex. Later on, when she's been arrested, she will believe everyone is against her and out to get her.
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5.  Always pick up after him and keep up with all his belongings. He doesn't need to learn responsibility or respect for property.

6.  Take your child's side against every teacher, friend, adult, police officer, relative. Make excuses for everything he does. Let him know they are all prejudiced against him, and that he hasn't done anything wrong. 

7.  Argue in front of your child so she won't be surprised if your marriage falls apart. 

8.  Never allow your child to earn his own money or gain privileges by working for it. Just fork over whatever he wants without him having to practice good behavior.

9.  Don't set boundaries. Let her eat and drink whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. It's much easier to let her do everything she wants to do anyway.

10.  Let him watch violent and/or scary movies. Don't monitor what he does on the internet or watches on TV.

11.  Don't set limits on screen time. There is no need to encourage reading, completing school work, or spending time outside.

12.  Prepare yourself for a life of grief. But you can always comfort yourself by knowing you did the best you could!
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6 Simple Ways to Help Your Child With Anxiety

10/12/2015

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​Are you worried about your anxious child?
​You are not alone. 

Anxiety is one of the most predominant mental health problems children and teens are facing today. The good news is, it is highly treatable. If you’re one of the millions of parents struggling to help your child with anxiety, here are 6 simple user-friendly tips:

1. Educate Yourself

What exactly is anxiety? If you’ve ever heard of the “fight or flight” response then you’re halfway there. Imagine you’re alone walking through the woods and suddenly come face to face with a bear. Your heart starts pounding fast, your muscles tense, and your senses become intensely alert. For a split second you're paralyzed with fear. You must make a decision: defend yourself or run.

This is the fight-or-flight response.
 
And it's a completely normal reaction (we humans wouldn't be here without it.) Hundreds of years ago, when we were faced with a physical danger on a daily basis, it was a very important and well-needed response (for instance, to keep ourselves from getting mauled by a bear). In today’s world, most of our dangers are not physical. They’re psychological. And they can’t always be addressed the moment they come up. The longer our fight-or-flight response remains active, the more physically and emotionally drained we become.

​Long ago when there was an imminent physical threat, it usually passed quickly and our fight-or-flight response was deactivated. In our world, since there are so many potential psychological endangerments, sometimes the fight-or-flight response never really gets turned off. This is when a child may begin to see the world as a fearful place. They are stuck in “survival mode.” Not a fun place to be.
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2. Talk About It

​Many parents believe that talking about anxiety will make their child even more anxious. The reality is, providing your child with information about anxiety can help reduce his or her confusion or shame. Understanding what causes anxiety can help children to overcome it. Use "kid terms" to help explain the fight-or-flight response. Discuss why it was helpful back then, how it can be helpful now, and how it can be equally detrimental. Helping kids understand that feeling afraid isn't the same as actually being in a dangerous situation is empowering and can help them feel more in control. 

3. Validate Feelings

​Always validate and show acceptance of your child’s worried thoughts and anxious feelings. Make sure your child knows you truly believe what they are saying and that having those scared/worried/anxious feelings is okay. Share some things you were anxious about as a child, and then ask them what their biggest worries are. If they don’t want to talk right away, give them ample opportunities to open up with you through play or downtime during their favorite relaxing or fun activities. 

4. Help Recognize Anxiety

​Anxiety manifests physically. Ask your child to show you where in their body anxiety occurs, and where it feels the worst. It can be helpful to have your child name their anxiety. For instance, a child could call his anxiety “Mr. Worry Monster” and learn to talk to that anxiety as if it were a person and tell him to go away when not welcome: “Mr. Worry Monster is back this morning, Mom, but since it’s time for school I’m not listening to him. I told him to go away!” Once kids are less afraid, it becomes easier to approach events and situations that have been previously avoided.

5. Encourage Mindfulness

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​Many children have little time to just “be.” They are easily distracted and tired, juggling school, family, community activities, sports, etc. Sometimes it can just be too much. By practicing mindfulness, kids learn to hit the “pause” button and become aware of how they are thinking and feeling in the present.  There are countless studies showing the benefits of mindfulness and it’s positive effects on our physical and emotional well-being, for both children and adults.​
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One basic exercise I use with my clients is called “Balloon Breaths.” I ask the child to pretend there is a balloon in his belly. Ask him to place his hands on his belly and breathe in slowly in through his nose to fill his lungs all the way up. Meanwhile, blow up the balloon to demonstrate how the “balloon in the belly” gets fully expanded. Next, ask your child to open his mouth and slowly blow all of the air back out, letting his belly sink down flat, as you slowly let air out and deflate the balloon. Some of my clients even carry a little deflated balloon around with them, in their pocket or backpack, as a simple reminder to take “balloon breaths” when they feel anxious thoughts and feelings coming on. By learning a few techniques like this, your child can be well on his or her way to overcoming anxiety. 

6. Be a Role Model

​Your child constantly observes and emulates your behavior. Your actions lay the foundation from which your is child building his own beliefs and understanding about the world. If you shy away from discussing mental health, so will your child. If you are open and accepting of your own anxieties and how to deal with them, then so will be your child. If you take time to make sure your emotional and physical needs are met, your child will learn that self-care is an important part of life. 
 
Overcoming anxiety can be a long road, but it can be done. With the consistent practice of mindfulness and other anxiety-reduction techniques, as well as practicing good self-care, keeping a positive attitude, your child can learn how to lower his or her anxiety level. Making an appointment with a local child therapist is often the most important first step. He or she can help facilitate this course with the family, and is often an invaluable teacher and guide in the process. 

If you think your child is suffering from anxiety or experiencing a high level of stress, please contact me to set up an initial session where we can discuss your unique issues and develop an individual plan for your child that works.


Resources:
 
Banyan Tree Counseling: http://www.banyantreecounseling.com
 
Anxiety & Depression Association of America: http://www.adaa.org/
 
Child Mind Institute: http://www.childmind.org/
 
Worry Wise Kids: http://www.worrywisekids.org/
 
The Anxiety Disorders Association of British Columbia: http://www.anxietybc.com
 
KidsHealth: http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/anxiety.html

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Sacred Space

10/5/2015

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Some photos of Banyan Tree Counseling's space: Suite 203, 1348 Westgate Center Dr. Winston Salem, NC 27103. There is lots of growing, healing, thriving, playing, and difficult yet joyful work happening in this sacred space... Come join us!
Calling a therapist is often the best thing you can do for yourself, your child, or your family. Our fees are affordable and office is centrally located. We look forward to connecting with you. 
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Why Play Therapy?

9/8/2015

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Why Play?

In recent years a growing number of noted mental health professionals have observed that play is as important to human happiness and well being as love and work (Schaefer, 1993). Some of the greatest thinkers of all time, including Aristotle and Plato, have reflected on why play is so fundamental in our lives. 
The following are some of the many benefits of play that have been described by play theorists. 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 skills and roles needed for survival. Learning and development are best fostered through play (Russ, 2004).

What Exactly is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983). The curative powers inherent in play are used in many ways. Therapists strategically utilize play therapy to help children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings (Gil, 1991). 

In play therapy, toys are like the child's words and play is the child's language (Landreth, 2002). Through play, therapists may help children learn more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional or social skills deficits (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005). The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play therapy sessions provides a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Moustakas, 1997). Play therapy may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about and resolution of inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking in the child (O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).
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Toys Are A Child's Words

Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children to address and resolve their own problems. Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them (Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development. APT defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development."

How Does Play Therapy Work?

Children are referred for play therapy to resolve their problems (Carmichael; 2006; Schaefer, 1993). Often, children have used up their own problem solving tools, and they misbehave, may act out at home, with friends, and at school (Landreth, 2002). Play therapy allows trained mental health practitioners who specialize in play therapy, to assess and understand children's play. Further, play therapy is utilized to help children cope with difficult emotions and find solutions to problems (Moustakas, 1997; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005). 

By confronting problems in the clinical Play Therapy setting, children find healthier solutions. Play therapy allows children to change the way they think about, feel toward, and resolve their concerns (Kaugars& Russ, 2001).Even the most troubling problems can be confronted in play therapy and lasting resolutions can be discovered, rehearsed, mastered and adapted into lifelong strategies (Russ, 2004).

Who Benefits from Play Therapy?

Although everyone benefits, play therapy is especially appropriate for children ages 3 through 12 years old (Carmichael, 2006; Gil, 1991; Landreth; 2002; Schaefer, 1993). Teenagers and adults have also benefited from play techniques and recreational processes.To that end, use of play therapy with adults within mental health,agency and other healthcare contexts is increasing (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005; Schaefer, 2003). In recent years, play therapy interventions have also been applied to infants and toddlers.
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How Will Play Therapy Benefit A Child?

Play therapy is implemented as a treatment of choice in mental health, school, agency, developmental, hospital, residential, and recreational settings, with clients of all ages (Carmichael, 2006; Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005).Play therapy treatment plans have been utilized as the primary intervention or as an adjunctive therapy for multiple mental health conditions and concerns (Gil &Drewes, 2004; Landreth, Sweeney, Ray, Homeyer& Glover, 2005), e.g anger management, grief and loss, divorce and family dissolution, and crisis and trauma, and for modification of behavioral disorders (Landreth, 2002), e.g. anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), autism or pervasive developmental, academic and social developmental, physical and learning disabilities, and conduct disorders (Bratton, Ray & Rhine, 2005). 

Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children experiencing a wide variety of social, emotional, behavioral, and learning problems, including: children whose problems are related to life stressors, such as divorce, death, relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, assimilate stressful experiences, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, and natural disasters (Reddy, Files-Hall & Schaefer, 2005). Play therapy helps children:
  • Become more responsible for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.
  • Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
  • Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
  • Learn to experience and express emotion.
  • Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.
  • Learn new social skills and relational skills with family.
  • Develop self-efficacy and thus a better assuredness about their abilities.

How Long Does Play Therapy Take?

Each play therapy session varies in length but usually last about 30 to 50 minutes. Sessions are usually held weekly. Research suggests that it takes an average of 20 play therapy sessions to resolve the problems of the typical child referred for treatment. Of course, some children may improve much faster while more serious or ongoing problems may take longer to resolve (Landreth, 2002; Carmichael, 2006).
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How May My Family Be Involved in Play Therapy?

Families play an important role in children's healing processes. The interaction between children's problems and their families is always complex. Sometimes children develop problems as a way of signaling that there is something wrong in the family. Other times the entire family becomes distressed because the child's problems are so disruptive. In all cases, children and families heal faster when they work together. The play therapist will make some decisions about how and when to involve some or all members of the family in the play therapy. 

At a minimum, the therapist will want to communicate regularly with the child's caretakers to develop a plan for resolving problems as they are identified and to monitor the progress of the treatment. Other options might include involving a) the parents or caretakers directly in the treatment in what is called filial play therapy and b) the whole family in family play therapy (Guerney, 2000). Whatever the level the family members choose to be involved, they are an essential part of the child's healing (Carey & Schaefer, 1994; Gil &Drewes, 2004).

Who Practices Play Therapy?

The practice of play therapy requires extensive specialized education, training, and experience. A play therapist is a licensed (or certified) mental health professional who has earned a Master's or Doctorate degree in a mental health field with considerable general clinical experience and supervision. With advanced, specialized training, experience, and supervision, mental health professionals may also earn the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) credentials¹ conferred by the Association for Play Therapy (APT).

To learn more about Play Therapy, visit http://www.a4pt.org/
Book Initial Appointment/Request a Phone Consultation

Authors
The information displayed for the general public and mental health professionals in this section was initially crafted by JP Lilly, LCSW, RPT-S, Kevin O'Connor, PhD, RPT-S, and Teri Krull, LCSW, RPT-S and later revised in part by Charles Schaefer, PhD, RPT-S, Garry Landreth, EdD, LPC, RPT-S, and Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, EdD, LPC, RPT-S. Linked mental health conditions and concerns and behavioral disorders were drafted by Pehrsson and Karla Carmichael, PhD, LPC, RPT-S respectively. Research citations were compiled by Pehrsson and Oregon State University graduate assistant Mary Aguilera. APT sincerely thanks these individuals for their contributions!
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Handing Out Sticks

9/6/2015

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From: Boggle the Owl
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    Chantal D. Hayes
    ​MA, LPC, NCC

    Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist. Ambivert. Listener. Helper. Healer. Stick hander-outer. Private practice in Winston-Salem, NC. 

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CHANTAL D. HAYES, MA, LPC, NCC     •     Licensed Clinical Therapist    •     Banyan Tree Counseling

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​Address

1348 Westgate Center Dr.
​Ste. 203
Winston Salem, NC 27103


​Telephone

336-448-4451


​Email

chantalhayeslpc@gmail.com

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