Types of Play Therapy in Keller, Texas

When children are in counseling to work through emotional and mental issues, the therapist may choose to use play therapy. This type of therapy helps the child express themselves in a way that is comfortable and safe. Allowing children to be creative often helps them to share emotions and feelings without fear of getting in trouble. In this article, we’ll consider different types of play therapy in Keller, Texas.

Play therapy in Keller, Texas is true therapy done through the creative avenue of play. Typically, no rules are imposed on the child that would hinder the free expression of feelings. The toys used are those that can be used to act out expressions or thoughts. The therapist has been trained in child psychology and understands how to pay attention to the child’s choice of toys.

Play is an important part of a child’s life. It can be used to see into their world and their thought processes. Those children who have faced trauma or have behavioral problems will often find it helpful to act out the situation. This type of therapy allows the child to express feelings of anxiety and anger. The therapist can then help them work through the problems healthily.

But Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. – Matthew 19:14, NASB

Although it can be used in cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, it is more often used for counseling children.

Depending on the age of the child, their ability to communicate issues and feelings can be difficult. Sometimes they try to communicate the problem but are often misunderstood by the adults around them. They understand the world through play. Toys can be symbols of what they are experiencing but cannot communicate. Through this kind of therapy, the therapist joins the child in their world to understand how to help them.

As the therapist observes the child playing, their observations guide them in choosing the right treatment plan for the child. During this time, the therapist will also bring in parents, siblings, and other family members to join in to promote healing and conflict resolution.

Types of Play Therapy in Keller, Texas

Typically, two types of play therapy are used by therapists in Keller, Texas to help children express the situations they are facing.

• Directive play therapy: During this type, the therapist will use a hands-on approach and lead the child through guided play to help them express feelings. The child is given specific details as to how the play will be conducted.
• Non-directive play therapy: This type of play therapy is less controlled and the child is allowed to engage in whatever activities they enjoy to feel more comfortable expressing themselves.

Benefits

Even though many people dismiss the idea of play therapy, there are many ways play therapy will benefit children who are having difficulty expressing themselves.

The most common benefits noted are:

• The space created allows the child to feel comfortable being themselves.
• It reduces communication challenges, and the child can express themselves more clearly.
• The child can begin to understand their emotions.
• It will build social skills due to the ability to communicate with children who struggle to do so.
• The child can effectively use the toys to take charge of the sessions and receive treatment at their own pace.
• It can encourage children to develop solutions to problems.
• Children will likely develop empathy and respect for others.
• It will provide a way for children to bridge the gap between what they experience and how they understand that experience.

Next Steps to Begin Play Therapy in Keller, TX

Playtime is an important part of a child’s life. When this is incorporated into therapy at Keller Christian Counseling in Texas to help with behavior problems or other situations that have affected the child, there is a better chance of the child learning to overcome them.

Play therapy in Keller, Texas allows the child to communicate what they are experiencing using toys chosen for specific purposes. If you would like more information about play therapy in Keller, Texas, the Christian counselors at Texas Christian Counseling, Keller can help. Contact our office today.