Is my child old enough for therapy?
This is a common question that many parents struggle with when deciding if their child is ready for therapy. Is it too soon? Should I wait until they are older? Will they grow out of the issue?
Gary Landreth, the creator of child-centered play therapy, notably said, “Toys are children's words, and play is their language.” Before children can even talk, they are playing and seeking comfort in their toys. The power of play shows us that even kids as young as 2 years old can benefit from play therapy.
Play therapy helps the child tap into their very first language, play. The child uses play to communicate through their situation and express their emotions. The special playroom is designed for the child to lead, and the play therapist jumps into the child’s inner world. The play therapist is trained to provide a nurturing, therapeutic relationship with not only the child, but the whole family. This allows for the playroom to be a safe, supportive environment for a child to be themselves. Our play therapists are trained in structured and unstructured play, depending on the needs of the child.
The playroom is fully equipped with all sorts of toys for the child to play with. The different toys help with the variety of emotions a child may be dealing with. These may include toys that fall into the following categories: real life, nurturing, acting-out, creative expression, and emotional release. Some examples of toys are dolls, figurines, trucks, art supplies, music, and sandtrays. These toys can facilitate creativity, improve motor skills, and be calming for the child. The play therapist can give you a tour of the special playroom prior to the first visit.
Play therapy is an evidence-based practice. It has been researched and shown to help with emotional regulation, improved communication, problem solving techniques, and behavioral improvements.
Common issues that would prompt play therapy include:
Anxiety & Fears
Sensory Processing
Sleep Problems & Bed Wetting
Delayed Potty Training
Behavioral Issues
Difficulty with Social Skills
Adjustment to Major Life Changes
Transitions
Developmental Delays
Parent-Child Attachment Issues
Trauma or Abuse
Grief & Loss
The child does not need to be in crisis to go to therapy. I want you to think about yourself. Do you feel overwhelmed? Is it becoming more and more difficult to manage the situation at hand? All of these are valid reasons to go to therapy. Play therapy is not just for the kid, it is for the whole family. Play therapists are eager to help make life feel easier for everyone. We work together as a team. Play therapists consistently check in for weekly updates to gain clarity on changes that occur from week to week. Parent communication is very important for the therapeutic process to make sure treatment goals are being met. At The Place for Counseling, our play therapists work with our parents on where their needs arise. Our therapists have strong training in parenting skills, techniques, and coaching. You may even be invited to join in the sessions! For our little clients, parental involvement is crucial.
Even at two years old, your toddler may have the skills to communicate through their play.
If they are exhibiting imaginative play and can communicate their wants/needs; they are ready! Every child is unique, and the play therapist is trained to adapt based on the client’s cognitive and developmental abilities. It may be helpful to contact a therapist for a consultation if you are unsure if your child is ready.
Play therapy was created for the mind of the child. Early intervention in childhood development can set the foundation for healthy emotional expression, coping skills, and problem-solving abilities. Research has shown us that early childhood intervention helps in increasing social, emotional, and physical well-being in the long term. The Greek philosopher Plato (429-347 B.C.) once said “you can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”
If you believe your child is ready for play therapy, contact The Place for Counseling.
