In fact, as most of us know, children cannot express themselves like adults about the fears, problems and traumas they experience. For this reason, speech therapies and counseling applied to adults do not work very well for children. At this point, play therapy comes into play to enable children to express themselves more easily in natural ways. In fact, we all know that one of the things children do best is playing games. Play therapy is a special type of therapy that allows children to express themselves, their needs and problems with games and toys instead of words. Just as adults talk about their problems during therapy, children also express themselves through games and toys.
What is the process of play therapy and what is done?
In play therapy; “Which toy does the child choose? Why does he want to play with them? Does he choose the same toy every time he comes? What kind of game does he set up? Does he repeat the same trick every time? A process is carried out by paying attention to questions such as: In fact, through games and toys, "What does he want to tell, what part of his life does he reflect?" These are tried to be interpreted. During this process, a relationship is established between the psychologist and the child. The message that the play therapist wants to give to the child through this relationship is; “No matter what, you can play safely within the limits and I accept you as you are.” It is possible. Once this relationship is established, the therapy and healing process begins. So, in short, play therapy; We can also summarize that toys are the words of the child and play is what the child wants to say.
When is Play Therapy Applied?
Play therapy is seen in children between the ages of 2-12. It is used to identify and correct many different psychological problems. Depression, trauma, anxieties and fears, attention deficit and hyperactivity, social phobia, self-confidence problems, loss of parents, grief, divorce, abuse, eating problems, sleep problems, bedwetting, sibling jealousy, emotional problems, anger, adjustment problems, behavioral problems, school problems, social skill problems, communication problems, attachment problems, other Play therapy can be easily applied to solve many psychological problems such as heat anxiety and delayed tension, and effective results are obtained.
What are the Benefits of Play Therapy on Children?
Play therapy primarily helps children develop their mental and social skills and express their feelings and thoughts. provides. Apart from this, it teaches children to trust themselves, to cooperate, to learn to respect others, to take responsibility and to fulfill these responsibilities. Likewise, in this process; They also gradually learn to find solutions to their own problems, to identify their emotions and to cope with negative emotions, and to combat their fears and anxiety.
Difference Between Play Therapy and Normal Play
There is a point to be considered in play therapy, and that is; Play therapy should not be confused with play at home. Because in this approach, the play created by the child is given meaning by the play therapist and the child is enabled to express his inner world, experiences and emotions. In play therapy; There is a play therapy room, a play therapist, and toys specific to play therapy. For this reason, it is different from the daily game.
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