“Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul.”  Friedrich Froebel

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Play therapy offers children ages two to twelve a safe space to express feelings, thoughts, and dreams in ways words cannot express.  Play is a natural, necessary part of childhood and how children best communicate.  In the setting of the playroom, the child uses the toys provided to access implicit and explicit memories; to resolve conflict, gain mastery over challenging behaviors, develop confidence, regulate emotions, and learn that their feelings—all of their feelings—are okay.  

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"All you do is play..."  Yes, depending on the age and need of the child, the entire session may be centered around play! Providers, teachers, and parents may hear the word "play" and assume a lack of depth or meaning.   This is not the case, as many years of research and studies report.

 

Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, states that today's children use their imaginations less, spend less time outdoors, and take fewer risks. We believe that play is not a reward for good behavior, rather a necessary and natural part of development.  ​

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What is the importance of a Registered Play Therapist?  Just like licensure is essential to the credibility and validity of many jobs, play therapy certification is awarded to licensed therapists who, in addition to a master's degree, have received hundreds of hours of specialized training, play therapy supervision, and adhere to a strict code of ethical practice.  A Registered Play Therapist (RPT) is required to continue training on theory, ethics, current research and modalities crucial to play therapy.​

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Debra Gayman is a Registered Play Therapist and Chloe Shepherd is in the certification process.  To find a Registered Play Therapist in your area, you may visit a4pt.org

 

Please contact our office with any questions about play therapy for your family, organization, or community. 

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