Could play therapy help your child deal with mental health issues? The therapy is one tool the psychiatrists at Queens Consultation Center in Rego Park, NY, use to assist children in expressing their thoughts, fears, and concerns.
How play therapy can help your child
During play therapy, your child may draw pictures, act out their feelings with toys, or play games with the child psychiatrist. The therapy sessions offer these important benefits:
- Identification of Issues: Children don't always have the language skills needed to let you know why they feel scared, upset, anxious, or angry. Play gives your son or daughter a way to explain their issues. Your child's psychiatrist observes both verbal and non-verbal behavior during play and may ask your child to role-play using toys, stuffed animals, or dolls. Drawing, another way children can share their concerns and problems, can also be helpful during play therapy.
- A Non-Threatening Environment for Sharing: Just like adults, kids may be reluctant to talk about their issues. During play, children usually become more relaxed and less guarded and may feel more comfortable sharing their problems and challenges.
- Recovery from Traumatic Experiences: After a traumatic experience, your child may shut down, develop behavioral problems or become depressed. Play therapy helps your child process and cope with violent or frightening incidents, natural disasters, divorce, or the death of a family member, friend, or pet.
- Coping Skills: Play offers the perfect opportunity to teach your child coping skills that will help him handle emotional, social, or mental health issues. The therapy can help children who are anxious, depressed, dealing with bullying, or struggling to manage the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and other disorders and conditions.
- Improved Self-Confidence: Your child's Rego Park, NY, psychiatrist may recommend play therapy if your son or daughter has poor self-esteem. Therapy sessions help your child appreciate his or her many strengths and offer strategies that help build confidence and self-worth.
Would you like to find out if play therapy is a good option for your son or daughter? Call Queen's Consultation Center's Rego Park, NY, office at (718) 459-1225 to schedule an appointment for your child.