Play Therapy Activities For Children
Scientists and mental health professionals have been using and studying play therapy since the 1920s to assist in treating patients of all ages, although it is most commonly associated with treating children. One effective activity used in play therapy is sand tray therapy, which is designed to give the child a creative way to express themselves in a safe, loving environment.
Until about 16 years old, children's brains are not fully developed enough to link emotions consistently and effectively with words. According to developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, playing gives the child a language that is indispensable to the expression of their feelings.
Common types of play therapy activities
Sand tray
Game therapy
Toy telephone play
Toy telephone play is a popular technique used in child play therapy. It involves the child using a toy telephone to role-play different scenarios, such as talking to a parent, friend, or teacher. This technique allows the child to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-threatening way.
Puppet play
Family puppet interview
The family puppet interview is a family relations technique used to help children express their feelings about family relationships. The therapist uses puppets to represent family members, and the child is asked to interact with the puppets as if they were real people. This technique helps the child identify and express their feelings about their family members.
Role modeling
Playing the role of someone else and acting out everyday scenarios is a real-world play therapy technique that may help children express their feelings and emotions. Role play is also a great way for children to learn social skills and explore mental and emotional difficulties in a safe space.
Symbolic play
Symbolic play involves the use of objects or toys to represent real-life situations. The therapist works with the child to help them explore and understand their emotions and experiences through symbolic play.
Three wishes
The three wishes technique involves asking the child to make three wishes. This technique can be used to help the child identify and express their desires and aspirations.
Finger painting
Using finger paint is a fun and creative technique used in child play therapy. It allows the child to express their emotions and feelings through art. This technique is particularly useful for children who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
Externalization play
Externalization play involves using toys or objects to externalize the child's problems. This technique allows the child to view their problems as separate from themselves, which can help them gain a better understanding of their emotions and experiences.
Three deep breaths
Three deep breaths is a relaxation technique used in child play therapy. It involves asking the child to take three deep breaths, which can help them relax and manage their emotions. This technique may be particularly useful for children who experience separation anxiety or stress.
Other relaxation tools
Many play therapy games are designed to help a child relax so they may feel more comfortable in a therapeutic setting. For example, therapists use tools like calm-down bottles, which are bottles with liquid and glitter, much like a snow globe. The therapist instructs the child to shake up the bottle and then coaches them on how to calm down before the contents of the bottle settle.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) during play
Trained play therapists typically use play therapy, such as free drawing or sand tray play, along with cognitive behavioral therapy sessions to help children more easily express their thoughts and feelings.
Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to help individuals recognize patterns, thoughts, or behaviors that are distressing or unhelpful. It may also help rewire the brain over time so that children can build healthier habits, behaviors, and thoughts.
In the context of play therapy, the play therapist can use CBT by letting children have some time to draw or play and then talking with them about the meaning behind their creations.
The four stages of play therapy
The play therapy process typically follows consistent stages. These include the initial introduction and tentative acceptance stage, the negative reaction stage, the growing stage, and the completion stage.
A family member, often a parent, will first bring the child to see a play therapist, or a registered play therapist supervisor for an initial intake interview and pre-assessment.
Once the therapist has established what the child might need the most help with, they can decide on play therapy techniques that will best serve them.
The first few sessions are about gaining tentative acceptance from the child and increasing their enjoyment of the play therapy room.
Play therapy activities and therapeutic goals
Therapy options for you and your child
If you are a parent of a child experiencing mental health difficulties or developmental challenges, it is important for you to find support, too. Speaking to a therapist is recommended in these circumstances to help develop healthy coping skills for the feelings of stress and anxiety that may accompany the role of caregiver.
Because it offers so much convenience, flexibility, and positive outcomes, many choose to speak to a therapist online. Platforms such as BetterHelp regularly match patients to licensed, accredited therapists with a wide range of expertise. Sessions can be held from home or anywhere with an internet connection, any time that’s convenient for your schedule.
If your child is between the ages of 13-18 years old, you may also want to consider TeenCounseling,- a platform BetterHelp has dedicated to teens. Read below for some reviews of TeenCounseling and BetterHelp counselors from parents experiencing different issues.
Takeaway
Children develop their expressive language and social skills throughout childhood. They may know they have troubling feelings, but they often can't understand them, or communicate them using words, until they are older and more mature. Play therapy games may help them make sense of angry feelings, for example, and give them an alternative means of expression.
If you’re thinking about having your child speak to a therapist, and you believe they may benefit from child centered play therapy, it's important to vet your options and find an expert with experience in play therapy techniques. A good therapist will work closely with you and your child to assess their needs and develop a treatment plan tailored to them. They will also support your child throughout the therapeutic process and provide a safe, loving environment for them to express themselves fully.
What therapy techniques are used in play therapy activities?
Several different therapy techniques may be used in play therapy, including role playing, imaginative play, sand tray therapy, storytelling, art therapy, and more. The type of therapy used may depend on the child’s age, their mental health issues, and the style of the mental health professional.
A play therapist might combine these techniques with more traditional methods such as deep breathing exercises to address specific therapeutic goals like helping a child accept a change such as moving to a new school or processing divorce.
What should be in a play therapy room?
Play therapy rooms may vary depending on the therapist and the child’s unique needs. Generally speaking, these rooms will include different types of toys and materials for activities and creative interventions designed to help children learn coping strategies and process emotions. Types of toys used in a play therapy activity may include real-life toys for roleplaying and emotional expression toys to manage stress.
What are the types of play therapy activities within mental health?
The two basic types of play therapy in mental health are directive and non-directive play therapy. With directive play therapy, the mental health professional will provide instructions and encouragement to facilitate a specific activity. In non-directive play therapy, children feel free to play as they wish while the therapist observes.
What are the four stages of play therapy in family therapy?
In child-centered play therapy, there are typically four stages:
- Warm-up
- Aggression
- Regression
- Mastery
What are the three basic functions of play therapy?
The three basic functions of play-based child therapy are:
- To give the child a safe outlet to express their emotions
- To help the child process emotions and experiences
- To assist the child in developing healthy coping mechanisms
What do you say during play therapy?
Play therapy is unlike traditional talk therapy, so the focus isn’t usually on what to say. Still, if you attend therapy sessions with your child, you can describe what they are doing, reflect their feelings, and use words to let them know you are participating and following their lead, enabling children to guide the session.
What are the disadvantages of play therapy?
There are some disadvantages of play therapy. For example, it may take a long time to see a child’s progress during this type of therapy. It is also heavily dependent on the therapist’s competencies, so results may vary widely.
What age is appropriate for play therapy?
According to the Association for Play Therapy, children ages three through twelve are best suited for play therapy, though older children and even younger children may benefit.
What is the success rate of play therapy?
Play Therapy International reports that just over 70 percent of children who participate in play therapy experience positive outcomes. These outcomes may include healthier coping mechanisms, better social skills, an increase in critical thinking and problem solving, and improved communication skills, for instance.
Does play therapy really help children?
Yes. Play therapy can help children, especially a child struggling with anxiety or behavioral issues as well as those who have experienced trauma or emotional abuse, for example. Play therapy may be most effective when parents or other individual family members can participate alongside the child.
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