Children are unique. Their ability to cope, adapt, and thrive is remarkable. It is crucial that they receive the right kind of care and attention during this period. Even though children are resilient and adaptive, they lack the maturity needed to process the complex emotions they go through during periods of stress, family changes, or the loss of a loved one.
This is where play therapy helps. It is an effective therapeutic tool which is used to help young children with emotional and cognitive processing during stressful times.
By using puppets, storybooks, pictures, calendars, and other play therapy tools, we show the child through play and imagination how to understand and process their emotions. This allows them to learn new coping mechanisms so they can deal with their problems and unresolved trauma in healthy ways.
The goal of play therapy is to work with children on complicated issues without overwhelming them in the process. The outcome of play therapy is to indirectly process their emotions and thoughts utilizing symbolic play and fantasy.
Hence, the child can cope, adapt, resolve, and master the underlying feelings and thoughts to feel better about themselves and the situation. By engaging in therapeutic play, children learn essential skills and strategies that promote well-being and healthier relationships.
