Play Therapy in North Richland Hills, TX
What is Play Therapy?
As a parent you may be asking…
Does my child play with toys the whole session?
How or Why is play therapy helpful?
The Association for Play Therapy 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."
Why Would My Child Need Play Therapy?
Play therapy helps address the following issues:
Parents’ separation or divorce, parents’ remarry
Loss of family member or pet
Grief and loss of a friend or loved one moving away
Adjusting to a new grade or school
Processing a changing family dynamic such as loss of a parent, sibling birth, step-siblings
Increase healthy attachment and adjustment
ADHD
Autism
Behavioral problems at home and/or school
Self-esteem
Improve social skills
Increase ability to acknowledge, accept, and cope with feelings
Anxiety
Depression
Learning disabilities and academic development
Adoption or foster care
What is in the play room?
There are different forms of expression including, but not limited to, use of art supplies, dolls, play doh, kinetic sand, therapeutic games, fidgets, kitchen and cleaning set, medical play kit, costumes, ball toss, puzzles, etc. Outside toys are not needed in the play room; however, if a child brings a toy they want to show the therapist it may be included in the session.
What does the therapist actually do during a session?
The therapist utilizes skills to help assess and guide the sessions. The clinician will practice out of a theoretical model used to reach goals and follow a treatment plan. It is often said, play is the language of children. They express themselves through play and therapists are trained clinicians that identify play themes displayed in session. The goal is to create a non-judgemental safe environment for the child to freely express their feelings. How a child plays, what they play with, and how they choose to engage with the therapist provides cues into the child’s coping mechanisms, frustration tolerance, mastery, view of self, others, and the world, and overall development.
Therapists utilizing play therapy are trained in setting limits, responding to emotional dysregulation, reflecting feelings and content presented, and working with caregivers to ensure continuance of care and skills outside of session. As stated by the Association for Play Therapy, “play therapy works best when a safe relationship is created between the therapist and client, one in which the latter may freely and naturally express both what pleases and bothers them.” Children are accepted as they are and encouraged to increase their accountability of their feelings and actions. The therapist and child work together to address what is presented in session.
How should I prepare my child?
Caregivers will meet with the clinician to discuss behaviors observed, mood changes, behavioral changes, academics, recent challenges, your child’s development, family history, current family situation, and medical history. This is known as the parent intake session. This session can be utilized to discuss any questions or concerns you may have as a caregiver.
The therapist will provide recommendations to help prepare your child. It is important the child is aware they are not in trouble or being punished for going to therapy. A helpful statement would be, “I went to meet with someone named Jane today and they are a play therapist. They have a room full of toys, games, and art where kids go to play and talk about their feelings. You have an appointment with her next week.” You can also say, “You have an appointment on Thursday with Ms.Jane and she has a play room. Everyone has big feelings and we all need help with them sometimes. Ms. Jane helps kids with big feelings in the playroom.” At this point, if the child asks more questions you can talk about what the child thinks is in the playroom to engage their interest in the conversation.
Get Started with Play Therapy in North Richland Hills, TX Today and Find Your Light!
At Luxx Therapy, we understand that making that first step in reaching out is a difficult one. Here is what you can expect when you call or email us: You will be met with a member of our administrative team. Each member of our administrative team is also a therapist, which means you will experience empathy and compassion during your experience from the first time you reach out, to the last time you connect with us. We will ask you a few general questions about what you are wanting to be seen for in order to best connect you with the trauma therapist we believe would help you the most. We encourage you to look at our website to read the biographies of our therapists. We want you to have control over your experience from the very beginning. Follow the steps below to get started on your healing journey.
Get to know our skilled team of therapists here.
Fill out our convenient online contact form here.
Rediscover purpose and meaning in your life.
Other Mental Health Services Available at Luxx Therapy
In addition to Play Therapy, we offer a wide range of services at Luxx Therapy geared towards meeting you where you are in your mental health journey. We will walk the path to understanding and healing with you whether you are in need of Individual Counseling, Couples Counseling, or Family Therapy! Reach out to us today.