We're doing it and it's kind of low key but I think it is part of the mix of things which are helping. Like jaderock said, the idea seems to be that in play kids get to "get some of their stuff out" in a safe way. The therapist can either ask about things that come up, play along - or in some cases use it as a social skills lesson.
One thing my kid struggles with is reciprocal play - letting other kids be their own character - she wants to direct everything according to her vision. So this is an opportunity for her to try out letting go of full control, and also slowly become aware (hopefully) of what she's doing and how others might feel about it. I know for me, as an observer, this helps me understand some of the issues I need to reinforce, too.
Association of Play Therapy might offer you some insight to what play therapy involves. I found it to be very useful and informative. A friend of mine who is a play therapist led me to their website. Just google Association of Play Therapy. Could someone please explain what happens in play therapy? Dd pedThe therapist has hundreds of small figures, generally divided into themes. The figures represent things. The child picks what they want and sets them up in the sand. The therapist applies an interpretation to what the child selects and how they set them up, and what they do with them. They might see conflict with father, for example. The child plays in the sand with these figures and works through issues. That's the general idea, anyway.
I did not find it particularly helpful, but there are many supporters of play therapy on the board.
NoTellin39461.9654398148You can find a lot of info. on the web about play therapy. It really has been a blessing for my son. He is 6 and has been going since he was almost 4. Same individual doing his therapy. A good play therapist will conference with the parent on occasion to check out how things are going at home and at school.
My son was in play therapy with a wonderful woman for years and we still call her up when things get rough- I credit this therapist with saving my sanity 6 yrs. ago.
Play is how young children work out an understanding of the world around them, so a play therapist uses playing as a tool to help children understand and deal with emotions and difficult life situations. Kids don't see it as therapy because they go into a room full of toys and play with someone who is totally focused on them. I really don't know exactly how they interpret everything, but ours had a lot of insight into my son after just a few sessions. She also helped us figure out how to discipline effectively and not feel like failures as parents. We started therapy when he was 3, but he wasn't dx'ed adhd until 8, so I felt like I must have been doing something wrong even though I also thought there was something not quite right with DS.
Thank you for your replies and info! I am looking forward to Jillian's first