Adults use words to communicate, while children use play. During the play therapy session, a trained therapist provides specifically selected play materials to facilitate the child’s expression of feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviors. Careful selection of toys and activities is made with consideration of the impact they will have on the growth and development of the child. The play therapist involves parent(s) or guardian in the treatment process when it is therapeutically appropriate. At ARI, play therapists direct play in a fully equipped play therapy room to treat:
- Behavioral issues brought about by bullying, abuse, grief, loss, or other trauma
- Family issues and attachment injury caused by divorce, separation, and abandonment
- Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD
- Conduct disorders, social skills deficits, and lack of motivation/self-worth