I think about my job not as a place where children come to heal from their experiences but rather for children to have a place to really be themselves. Play Therapy provides a safe and no judgement place where children can utilize their greatest tool- PLAY. They can explore, take risks, and stretch their imaginations. These are all things that are essential to moving through developmental milestones and creating healthy and happy children.
Why is PLAY so important? Non-directive child led play allows a child to learn and grow through the play THE CHILD chooses. They can explore, create, tinker, create, and dream. In play therapy, there are no expectations, no right or wrong, or consequences of failure. Imagine a place where you can test out new ideas and explore parts of yourself without the fear of failure or what others think? Imagine the personal growth and possibilities. I get to provide this safe emotional space where literally there are endless possibilities and the sky is the limit.
I love this article because it puts into perceptive the power of play. In a world full of busy schedules and technology, the thing that often gets kicked to the curb is what I believe to be the most important part of a child’s day; PLAY TIME.
http://www.janetlansbury.com/2012/06/dont-let-your-preschoolers-forget-how-to-play/
