Play Therapy for Children

Speech Therapy Ayesha Anjum May 1, 2021

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning”

– Diane Ackerman

There are many types of therapies that are advised for kids with special needs. Now, you must be thinking what is Play Therapy for Children? It is an evidence-based therapy. A new form of therapy that is gaining popularity. Furthermore, world research has shown positive changes in kids. Those children who took play therapy sessions. Hence, in this blog, we will be talking about Play Therapy for Children.

What is Play?

Play is an activity that relaxes. It helps the overall mental well-being of a person. Further, for a child, play is just not an activity that relaxes. In other words, it plays a crucial role in a child’s mental and emotional growth. Overall, play aids the below skills:

Communication and Interaction
Speech and Language development
Sensory integration skills
Fine and gross motor skills
Cognitive skills and problem-solving
Emotional and behavioral regulation
Promotes independence and self-resilience

Read our published article on Benefits of Play-Based Speech Therapy

What is Play therapy?

Play therapy is not simply playing with a child. It is a systematic therapy method to empower the child. Additionally, during the session, the play therapist creates a safe and caring environment for the child. Furthermore, the therapist actively takes the child’s lead. This aids the overall well-being of the child.

Why Play Therapy?

Often, other forms of therapy add stress and fear to the child. In other words, we do not think of the basic issue. The issue that makes the child interact or behave in a certain way.

Firstly, play therapy lets your child see the world. Helps them deal with their sensory systems in a relaxed area.

Secondly, the Play therapist will create a bond with the child. This is to make them feel safe and accepted. Overall, this helps the child resolve their sensory issues, cope with failure, and be the best version.

What activities are done in the session?

Here are some of the activities done during the session:

Unstructured play
Multi-sensory play
Music and Movement activity
Creative thinking and visualization
Puppet play
Art and crafts
Storytelling and role play

Who benefits from Play Therapy?

All children benefit from play therapy sessions. Hence, here are some kids who benefit the most:

Autistic Children and Adolescents
Children with Sensory Processing Disorders
Children with ADHD
Learning disability and dyslexia
Cerebral Palsy
Socially withdrawn children
Post-trauma and stress events

Who is licensed?

Firstly, a licensed Play Therapist with a certificate in Play Therapy can do the sessions. In other words, get help from a licensed therapist only. Furthermore, at 1SpecialPlace we have a certified Play Therapist who can guide you!

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Ayesha Anjum

Speech-Language Pathologist at 1SpecialPlace

I am a certified and trained professional adept in conducting assessment and intervention for persons with communication disorders. I also enjoy writing blogs.

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