Play Therapy is a type of therapy that uses play as a way to communicate with children and help them express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It is a very effective technique for children who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, and it can be used to address a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
If your child is currently undergoing Play Therapy at Nurture Nest Play Therapy and Counseling, you may be wondering how you can continue the progress they are making at home. Here are some ways that you can use Play Therapy techniques at home to help your child:
Set up a designated play area
Create a designated play area in your home where your child can play freely and express themselves without interruption or distraction. This could be a small area with a play mat and a few toys, or a larger area with a playhouse, dress-up clothes, and other imaginative play items.
Allow your child to take the lead
In Play Therapy, the child is in control of the play session. They choose what to play with and how to play with it. Let your child take the lead in their play at home, and allow them to express themselves in the way that feels most comfortable for them.
Use reflective listening
Reflective listening is a technique used in Play Therapy to help children feel heard and understood. When your child is playing, reflect back to them what you hear and see. For example, “I see you’re building a tower with the blocks. That looks like fun.”
Join in the play
Join in your child’s play if they invite you to, but let them lead the play. Use the opportunity to bond with your child and show them that you are interested in what they are doing.
Use puppets or dolls
Puppets and dolls can be very effective in Play Therapy. You can use them at home to help your child express their feelings and experiences. For example, you could have a puppet that represents your child, and another puppet that represents someone they may be having difficulty with. Let your child use the puppets to act out how they are feeling.
Use art supplies
Art supplies can be a great way for children to express themselves. You could provide your child with paper and crayons, or you could use more advanced art supplies like paints, clay, or markers. Let your child create whatever they like, and encourage them to talk about their art if they want to.
Read books together
Reading books together can be a great way to open up conversations with your child. Choose books that deal with emotional and behavioral issues, and use them as a starting point to discuss your child’s feelings and experiences.
In conclusion, using Play Therapy techniques at home can be a great way to continue the progress your child is making at Nurture Nest Play Therapy and Counseling. By creating a safe and supportive environment, allowing your child to take the lead, and using reflective listening, puppets, art supplies, and books, you can help your child express themselves and work through their emotional and behavioral issues.