Play Therapy in Children With Phobias

Overview:

Play therapy is a well-established form of therapy. For many parents, however, it can be bewildering, as if the therapist has simply decided to abandon counseling and have fun with the child. Play therapy is often used in treating children with phobias, so provided here is a parents’ guide to understanding what it is all about.

The Concept:

Traditional therapy techniques for phobias, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, require the client to have high verbal skills and great self-awareness. The techniques require the client to consciously stop thoughts and reactions that may be subconscious.

Most children have not yet reached the level of development necessary to use these techniques. However, research has shown that children tend to act out their issues by inserting them into their play.

In play therapy, the therapist enters into the play world with the child, using the play environment as an alternate setting for therapy.

Traditional Play Therapy:

Traditional play therapy is child-centered. The play takes whatever direction the child chooses. The therapist takes on whatever role the child assigns. Rather than teaching or changing behavior directly, traditional play therapy provides a safe environment for the child to act out and release his or her emotional conflicts.

Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy:

Cognitive-behavioral play therapy follows the same principles as traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is generally a short-term therapy with the specified goals of changing the child’s automatic thoughts and reactions in order to stop the phobic reaction.

In cognitive-behavioral play therapy, the therapist enters into the play world and gains the acceptance of the child. Once that happens, the therapist begins to gently guide the play. The toys are used to model different reactions and teach the child new ways of thinking.

How it Works:

Most therapists that use play therapy have a large and varied collection of toys. Many have a separate room away from the office that is childproof and conducive to noisy play.

In the early stages, the child is typically left alone to explore the toys. The therapist observes the child but does not interfere. Once the child is comfortably playing, the therapist will gradually enter the setting by joining the child on the floor with the toys. Often the therapist asks the child’s permission before joining in.

The bulk of the session is dedicated to the play time. Depending on the nature of the client-therapist relationship, there may be a wrap-up time when the therapist and child talk without the toys. Some therapists interact with the child almost exclusively through the toys.

Although play therapy may look odd at first glance, it is supported by a body of research. The technique is generally used in tandem with family therapy if the child is old enough. Otherwise, separate sessions are often held with one or both parents to discuss the child’s progress and ways for the parents to help at home.