Since children’s natural language and way to communicate is through play, this type of therapy provides children with the opportunity to express themselves in ways that feel comfortable to them.
- It allows children, with the assistance of their therapist, to gain the independence and confidence needed to process and work through their own problems.
- Play Therapy gives children the tools to positively cope with challenges.
- Children can improve their social skills by interacting with the therapist in play.
Play therapy can be used for children dealing with many different challenges, such as those related to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Life transitions and adjustment (i.e. divorce, moving, new school, adoption, and birth of a new sibling)
- Traumatic events (i.e. death of a family member or pet, witnessing violence, and undergoing medical procedures or illnesses)
I obtained my Post-Master’s Certificate in Play Therapy from Monmouth University in 2013. Please keep in mind that many therapists utilize play therapy without being adequately trained.
Danielle Cristofano, LCSW, LLC 