Play Therapy

Play Therapy is the systematic use of a therapeutic model in working with children. A child’s natural language is through play and toys are the symbols through which a child communicates. Play therapy recognizes that children are not miniature adults and therefore uses the language and communication tools of a child in a safe and accepting environment with a skilled play therapist to promote growth, self-awareness, independence and foster positive change. Play therapy is much more than the toys in the room.

Common Issues Treated with Children

  • Depression/Sadness
  • Anxiety
  • Social Issues at home, school or day care
  • Adjustment issues to a new sibling
  • Adjustment issues to school or new teacher
  • Effects of being bullied or the child who is a bully
  • Parental Divorce
  • Parental Remarriage
  • Chronic illness or medical procedures
  • Traumatic Accident
  • Age inappropriate bedwetting or soiling of pants
  • Age inappropriate anger or aggression
  • Age inappropriate temper tantrums

Objectives of Play Therapy

  • Develop a more positive self-concept
  • Assume greater self-responsibility
  • Become more self-directing
  • Become more self-accepting
  • Become more self-reliant
  • Engage in self-determined decision making
  • Experience a feeling of control
  • Become sensitive to the process of coping

Answers to Frequent Questions

  • A child engaged in play therapy is not just playing; they are learning and experiencing self-determination, choice and self-control. Children learn about him/herself and their world through play.
  • In the process of play, a child is able to process and solve problems in their own language and own their own terms.
  • Toys are specifically selected in a play therapy room to help facilitate a number of emotions that adults are able to use words for. A carefully stocked and developed play therapy room is similar to what a dictionary or a rich emotional vocabulary is to an adult
  • The therapist role in play therapy is not to play with or entertain the child. Instead the play therapist is providing a warm, safe, secure and accepting relationship with the child to help facilitate the child own self-acceptance.

Dr. Alicia Pon provides Play Therapy and Sandplay Therapy in a therapeutic play therapy room and she follows the American Play Therapy Associations ethical guidelines and training mandates to ensure appropriate treatment for your child.