By Sydney Lawniczak

Meltdowns at the grocery store. Screaming before bedtime. Sullen silences in the car on the way home from an activity that was supposed to be fun. That’s a normal part of parenting.

It becomes harder when your child is engaging in these behaviors more than is normal for their age. Even though children are verbal, they often express themselves through behaviors. There can be outward behaviors, like meltdowns, tantrums, and fights. There are also inward behaviors, like being sad often, withdrawn, or not as engaged in their favorite things as they usually are. Because behaviors are often how children communicate their experiences, these things may be a sign that a child could benefit from play therapy.

Q: What is play therapy?

A: Most people know what therapy is supposed to look like for adults. We picture a person sitting across from their therapist in an office on a comfy couch, talking through the problem. The therapist will give feedback and reflection, and help the person understand and process what is going on. The therapist may send them home with a worksheet to do, a book to read, or a podcast to listen to.

Now picture a child therapist doing the same thing with a five-year-old. It is hard to imagine a child sitting still for that long, let alone being able to articulate and process what is going on with them like an adult can.

Play is how children naturally communicate, process their environment, and rehearse for life.

Children cannot always talk about their emotions and experiences. Developmentally, it may be more appropriate for them to express these things through play. In play therapy, the toys are the words and play is the language.

Q: Can’t I just play with my kids at home?

You can and you should! Kids undoubtedly benefit from the time and attention their parent spends with them playing at home. But, unlike play done at home, the play therapist helps the child resolve and appropriately understand issues. A play therapist is trained to understand the significance of play. As a result, they can help children establish new ways of getting their needs met and communicate with their support system. With time, play therapy can help children with various presenting issues. It can help them:

• Develop positive coping strategies

• Process life events

• Learn social skills

• And build self-confidence, among other benefits

*The above content was adapted from the Association for Play Therapy. For more information, please visit a4pt.org.

Q: Will I be involved with my child’s sessions?

A: The child therapist will talk with parents about anything that takes place in the session relating to the child’s safety. Or, any other important information. The child therapist will also attempt to connect to the family often for updates. They and to give and receive feedback.

Q: How often does play therapy with a child therapist take place?

A: Play therapy usually starts as a 50-minute session once a week. But, the frequency can decrease as problems ease.

Q: Who Practices Play Therapy?

A: Therapists at CCT have specific additional training in counseling children, and Play Therapy.

Q: Is faith incorporated into sessions?

A: Faith is incorporated only as the family and child feel comfortable. Our practice works with people of all faiths.

Q: Do you accept insurance?

A: We are considered out-of-network providers. Superbills can be provided on request. These can be submitted to insurance companies for out-of-network benefits.

Resources:

• For more information on play therapy and what it entails: Association for Play Therapy Parents Corner

• For information on how kids communicate and how play therapy can help

Read more on what to do when you kid melts down in public.

Begin Working With A Child Therapist in Tampa, FL

The team at Christain Counseling of Tampa is trained to offer support in helping your child express themselves through the power of play. We would be happy to offer support from our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice. To start your therapy journey, contact our team of caring therapists to learn how we can offer play therapy and a variety of other services in support of you and your child. We are happy to also offer trauma therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, therapy for anxiety, marriage intensives, grief counseling, and therapy for depression. We also offer ART, CBT, EFT, and other services as well. Learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today!