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Play therapy is a structured approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983). 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). 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. 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) 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). 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:
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). Adapted from the Association for Play Therapy website. (www.a4pt.org)
I am a certified instructor of “Redirecting Children's Behavior” which is influenced by the work of Rudolf Dreikurs, MD., author of the highly acclaimed book "Children: The Challenge". The course was developed by Kathryn Kvols, author of the book "Redirecting Children's Behavior". This program focuses on reducing stressful tensions in the home and increasing responsibility, initiative, self-control, cooperation and good decision making skills in your child.
What is a Co-parenting Specialist? Co-parenting specialists are trained, licensed mental health professionals who help parents support the well being of their children who are being raised in duel households. We are educators and therapists who understand the challenges of rearing children in two households and work with the parents to minimize disruptions. Our work focuses specifically on the co-parenting relationship of the former partners and on the parent-child relationship. What does a Co-parenting Specialist do?
Who will benefit from working with a Co-parenting Specialist?
From Co-parenting Specialists (www.coparentingspecialistssandiego.com)
I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults in the following areas:
Couples have issues and problems that arise when communication breaks down. This break down in communication leads to misunderstandings which may result in anger, hurt, anxiety, depression, guilt, and feelings of hopelessness. My work with couples helps in uncovering and understanding patterns that prevent them from attaining their relationship goals. Together we will work on making changes to help resolve these problems. Some of the potential benefits of couples counseling include:
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