Caitlin Mallery

Therapy takes on a lot of different forms. Talking is the most obvious but not the most accessible for children. Learning to communicate with children is often done better with strategies that involve playing rather than talking. Play therapy for children in Plano, Texas is used by trained therapists in Plano as a way to help children become comfortable with sharing and learn different tools for responding to their stress, trauma, or struggles. When to Use Play Therapy Children who have emotional and behavioral difficulties or have been struggling with depression, anxiety, or aggression can benefit from play therapy. Children who have had developmental delays or learning disabilities benefit from it as well. If you watch children you may notice that they use play as a form of practicing life. When directed this type of play can help children work through things they struggle with in a controlled environment. They can be given coping mechanisms and tools to replicate the solution found in this kind of play on a larger scale. Some Examples Sand play therapy Children use sand, water, and miniature objects to create a world that represents their inner thoughts and feelings. Art therapy Children use art materials such as paints, clay, and markers to express themselves creatively. This can sometimes be done as a conversational tool, “I drew a square. What would you add to make it look like a house?” Music therapy Children can use music to express their emotions. This could use instruments or computer programming to create music. Drama therapy Children use drama and role-playing to explore different situations and learn new ways of interacting with others. Puppet therapy They use puppets to tell stories and express their feelings. Many children may find it easier to communicate in this more indirect manner. Movement [...]