Play Therapy
What is play therapy?
Play therapy offers a safe and inviting space for your child. In this space, your child can express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play. For disabled children, traditional forms of communication may be challenging. Play becomes their voice, allowing them to express themselves. It can also support them in sharing their emotions or inner thoughts. By engaging in play, children develop critical skills such as problem-solving, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
Play therapy emphasises the importance of play as a means of communication. This supports developmental growth for children, particularly those with unique needs.
How does play therapy work?
During play therapy sessions, trained therapists create tailored experiences that align with each child’s individual needs and interests. The therapist may use toys, games, or art materials to facilitate the process. Our child LB has some fantastic play therapy support from different charities. The amazing Pepper foundation offer him regular play sessions that he enjoys immensely. Playskill is another organisation where look has play sessions. In both of these forums, he has been developing his visual tracking and working on his posture during play.
As an example, LB does ‘messy’ play to help work on his fine motor movements. What this means is that we are encouraging him to use his hands and feet to explore new sensations through sensory input. This encourages him to be curious and to explore his environment. All children will have slightly different goals. You should note there is no fixed way of playing. Many sessions are trying new inputs to establish preferences.
Evidence base
Research shows that play therapy is beneficial for children with a range of disabilities. This includes mobility challenges, autism, developmental delays, and emotional disturbances. By providing opportunities for self-expression, children can work through their emotions. Anxiety, frustration, or grief related to their experiences can be addressed by play therapy. Play therapy can lead to increased self-esteem, improved relationships with peers, and enhanced coping strategies.
Conclusion
As a parent, therapy can seem intimidating. However, play therapy is designed to be engaging and enjoyable. Finding the right play therapist experienced with children with disabilities is key. They create an environment that feels safe and supportive, allowing your child to explore their challenges at their own pace.
If you are considering play therapy for your child, start by researching local practitioners. Your community paediatrician or a support group can help. Remember, you are not alone! Play therapy may be the spark that helps your child thrive, turning their challenges into triumphs through the magic of play. Importantly, remember the value of play overall. It doesn’t have to be therapy based; it creates opportunities for you to bond with your child, so while having separate sessions with goals is helpful, so to is simply enjoying time with your little one.
Sources of Further Information
https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/patients-and-families/support-services/play-team