What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy utilizes play to help individuals express feelings more easily through a selection of toys for self-reflection and exploration of personal growth issues.

Who Benefits?

Play therapy is helpful for children in a wide range of situations, for example, children and adolescents who are coping with parental conflict, divorce, or have experienced loss, such as illness or death of a loved one, or who have been traumatized by abuse, disasters or serious accidents. It is the most appropriate treatment for helping parents gain a better understanding of what your child is going through.

Also, adults could benefit of play therapy by using a non-verbal form of expression, adding fun and spontaneity and previous stages of development to their sessions.

What toys are in a playroom and why?

Toys are carefully selected for the play therapy room to facilitate creative and emotional expression. The types of toys used can be played with in many ways and therefore allow for decision-making in children. They are also very durable and sturdy to allow for repeated use and rough play.

How long does a child receive play therapy?

The length of time a child is seen in play therapy varies from child to child. It depends upon the severity of the trauma, the child's personality, and how the child perceived the trauma. This can be discussed with your child's play therapist during consultation times.

What's the difference between play therapy and playing with my child at home?

Play therapists are specifically trained to provide an environment of acceptance, empathy and understanding in the play therapy room. Play therapy is not the same thing as playing. Play therapy uses the child's natural tendency to "play out" their reactions to life situations, in the presence of a trained play therapist, to help the child feel accepted and understood and gain a sense of control or understanding of difficult situations.

How much does play therapy typically cost?

The cost of play therapy varies dramatically depending upon geographical location, type of organization, insurance coverage, and availability of play therapy providers. Some insurance companies provide full or partial coverage for play therapy, however not all facilities or play therapists accept insurance as payment for services. Some providers offer sliding payment scales based upon financial need of the client.

How can I find a play therapist?

For a list of play therapist in the Kansas area follow this link to the National Association of Play Therapy: www.a4pt.org. (Click on the red menu bar, select directories, then play therapist, and in the directory enter your zip code or city and click search).

Be encouraged to interview the therapist and ask about their play therapy training prior to scheduling an appointment.