What is Play therapy?

• Play therapy is a safe, non-threatening environment where children are invited to express themselves and play in most of the ways that they like. Play therapists adopt an attitude of unconditional acceptance with the child, following their lead. In play therapy, toys are the children’s language. Play therapists look for themes in the play that children are enacting to understand what they need to communicate.

 

Who is play therapy for? 

• Play therapy services with Hawley Healing Arts are for children aged 4 - 10. Your child may be going through a difficult period, or may need more support on developing certain skills. 

 

What are the benefits of Play therapy? 

• Play therapy offers numerous benefits, including enhanced emotional expression, improved social skills, increased self-esteem, and the development of coping and self-regulation mechanisms for children. 

 

What is the first step? 

• The first step is to reach out to me via email at hawley.healingarts@gmail.com or by phone 514 754 6097 to chat a bit more about your child’s needs. Following that, we will schedule a parent intake session and the first session with the child. 

 

Examples of play therapy: 

• A child working on social skills: The child does not make eye contact with the therapist and does not invite the therapist to play. Therapist gives the child lots of space, and models warm and inviting behaviors without pressuring the child. Child is given as much time as they need to practice being in a relationship with another. Child eventually invites the therapist to play too and is able to practice social skills through this relational experience.