using play therapy to process trauma in children

This slide was used to present the basics of play therapy through a presentation at a Virginia Commonwealth University class. It describes the basic tenets of Child-Centered Play Therapy as presented by Gary Landreth. The last slide presents my counseling practice, Launch Pad. USING PLAY THERAPY TO PROCESS TRAUMA IN CHILDREN Landreth’s definition: A dynamic relationship between a child and a therapist trained in play therapist trained in play therapy procedures who provides selected play materials and facilitates the development of a safe relationship for the child to fully express and explore self through play, the child’s natural medium of communication, for optimal growth and development. (Landreth, 2002) Language: Play A playroom should include toys of these categories: Family/Nurturing toys Scary toys Aggressive toys Expressive toys Pretend/Fantasy toys Active listening skills: Tracking behavior, “You are picking that up.” Reflecting content, “You really liked that movie.” Reflecting feeling, “That makes you very sad.” Facilitating decision making, returning responsibility Facilitating creativity, spontaneity Esteem-building, encouraging Facilitating relationship Reflecting larger meaning Limit setting When responses to child’s play are accurate: The child will intensify the play activity The child will make an additive play response They will reduce the distance between self and therapist They will have an instant “pause” response. They will include therapist in the play Functions of Play: Children learn what no one can teach them Children that don’t yet use abstract thought can use symbols for something they experienced Change the unmanageable in life to manageable solutions in play Things that are too threatening can be expressed indirectly through play Toys are like words, play is like language Landreth’s objectives of Play Therapy: Develop a more positive self-concept Assume greater self-responsibility Become more self-directing Become more self-accepting Become more self-reliant Engage in self-determined decision making Experiences a feeling of control Become sensitive to the process of coping Develop an internal source of evaluation Become more trusting of himself LAUNCH PAD Who we are: Launch Pad is a counseling practice in Richmond, VA that helps children, teens, and families overcome stressful circumstances and life changes. What we do: We use interactive counseling approaches including Play Therapy, Expressive Therapies, and mindfulness based activities we help children and teens get rid of anxiety, worry, depression, and grief. Through family counseling and parent coaching, families achieve closer relationships, reduce power struggles and arguments, regain balance, and feel better. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! 2008 Libbie Ave, Ste 101, Richmond, VA 23226 Ph: 804-665-4681 Email: contact@launchpadcounseling.com www.launchpadcounseling.com