Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
View this 2 minute video Introducing Andrew by the Association for Play Therapy (2016) on how kids communicate.
... toys are the child's words!
Initially developed in the turn of the 20th century, today play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children to address and resolve their own problems. Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them (Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.
The Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development." - APT
View this 30 second video on The Importance of Play Therapy by Dr. Eliana Gil (2017).
Play therapy is a structured, theoretically based approach to therapy that builds on the normal communicative and learning processes of children (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002; O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983). The curative powers inherent in play are used in many ways. Therapists strategically utilize play therapy to help children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings (Gil, 1991). In play therapy, toys are like the child's words and play is the child's language (Landreth, 2002). Through play, therapists may help children learn more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional or social skills deficits (Pedro-Carroll & Reddy, 2005). The positive relationship that develops between therapist and child during play therapy sessions can provide a corrective emotional experience necessary for healing (Moustakas, 1997). Play therapy may also be used to promote cognitive development and provide insight about and resolution of inner conflicts or dysfunctional thinking in the child (O'Connor & Schaefer, 1983; Reddy, Files-Hall, & Schaefer, 2005). - APT
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." - Plato
View this 8 minute video on Play Therapy Works! by the Association for Play Therapy (2011).
APT has a brochure that can be used to promote play therapy. It is titled "Why Play Therapy?" This full-color brochure introduces play therapy to the general public and other mental health professionals. It includes photos and research citations and we have given them extensively at outreaches where we promote play therapy. GAPT has a supply and will provide you with a sample copy at your request. Email your request to info@gapt.org.
Copies in quantity can be ordered by calling APT at 559-298-3400.
The brochure is also available in Spanish.
View this 8 minute Example of Play Therapy by Trudy Post-Sprunk (2012), Past President of the Georgia Association for Play Therapy
Copyright © 2018-2024 Georgia Association for Play Therapy - All Rights Reserved. GAPT is registered to solicit donations in the state of Georgia.
Powered by GoDaddy