Psychotherapy is a treatment used in the mental health needs of adults and children. In most cases, it is a practice acknowledged and accepted by experts in the field. Whereas, play therapy is considered a suitable and effective intervention when dealing with brain development in children.
By providing a safe method for young individuals to express experiences in a safe and self-guided process, therapists can learn a lot about a child. As children often communicate best when playing alone or with others, playtime is now considered an important aspect of childhood. In fact, therapists have now taken this to another step by monitoring children while playing alone or with others to diagnose a number of behavioral issues.
Playtime can also assist children in developing mastery with regards to identifying and bringing innate gifts to the service, which often leads to a stronger sense of self-worth and pride. In addition, play dates and long periods of individual play can assist children explore, discover and become more comfortable in different environments.
Playing can also contribute to the advancement and development of critical thought, especially when playing cards and board games. While video games also have this capability, it is important that the game be matched to the age and skills of the child. In all cases, children learn how to release strong emotional responses during this type of play.
Therapy associated with playtime has become a valid form of treatment accepted by a number of mental health organizations. For, it is believed that this form of psychotherapeutic counseling while aimed at children can also benefit adults. As such, there are now therapists whom focus on adults and children whom need assistance in these areas.
The therapy can also be used as a tool for diagnosing a variety of conditions during childhood. In doing so, a therapist will observe a child playing with different types of toys to determine any disturbing or unusual behavior. In most cases, this play along with how the child interacts with the therapist can be used to determine if there are any behavioral issues present inside or outside therapy sessions.
According to several psychodynamic sources, children will often engage in play in order to work with emotional blocks and anxieties. According to this viewpoint, this type of therapy can also be used by children as a self-help mechanism as long as children are allowed to play freely and without structure. Although, there are times during sessions in which non-directed playtimes may very well become directed in order for the therapist to take control of a situation.
If a child shows distress, most therapists will use a type of relearning or desensitization therapy to change the behavior which caused the issue. Most often, those using this approach are hopeful that the process will lead to lasting change. Although, there are times when this approach can also backfire and therapists must seek out other methods to eliminate negative behavior.
While not labeled until the 1950s, 60s and 70s, this type of therapy has been around since Plato's time. In fact, Plato was the first to recognize the importance of playing. For, it was the great philosopher whom suggested that an hour of playtime could tell more about an individual than an hour long conversation.
By providing a safe method for young individuals to express experiences in a safe and self-guided process, therapists can learn a lot about a child. As children often communicate best when playing alone or with others, playtime is now considered an important aspect of childhood. In fact, therapists have now taken this to another step by monitoring children while playing alone or with others to diagnose a number of behavioral issues.
Playtime can also assist children in developing mastery with regards to identifying and bringing innate gifts to the service, which often leads to a stronger sense of self-worth and pride. In addition, play dates and long periods of individual play can assist children explore, discover and become more comfortable in different environments.
Playing can also contribute to the advancement and development of critical thought, especially when playing cards and board games. While video games also have this capability, it is important that the game be matched to the age and skills of the child. In all cases, children learn how to release strong emotional responses during this type of play.
Therapy associated with playtime has become a valid form of treatment accepted by a number of mental health organizations. For, it is believed that this form of psychotherapeutic counseling while aimed at children can also benefit adults. As such, there are now therapists whom focus on adults and children whom need assistance in these areas.
The therapy can also be used as a tool for diagnosing a variety of conditions during childhood. In doing so, a therapist will observe a child playing with different types of toys to determine any disturbing or unusual behavior. In most cases, this play along with how the child interacts with the therapist can be used to determine if there are any behavioral issues present inside or outside therapy sessions.
According to several psychodynamic sources, children will often engage in play in order to work with emotional blocks and anxieties. According to this viewpoint, this type of therapy can also be used by children as a self-help mechanism as long as children are allowed to play freely and without structure. Although, there are times during sessions in which non-directed playtimes may very well become directed in order for the therapist to take control of a situation.
If a child shows distress, most therapists will use a type of relearning or desensitization therapy to change the behavior which caused the issue. Most often, those using this approach are hopeful that the process will lead to lasting change. Although, there are times when this approach can also backfire and therapists must seek out other methods to eliminate negative behavior.
While not labeled until the 1950s, 60s and 70s, this type of therapy has been around since Plato's time. In fact, Plato was the first to recognize the importance of playing. For, it was the great philosopher whom suggested that an hour of playtime could tell more about an individual than an hour long conversation.
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