Exploring the World of Play: Understanding Play and Play Therapy. Day 1
Exploring the World of Play: Understanding Play and Play Therapy
DAY 1 | Emocare – Counselling & Life Coaching
Introduction
Play is the natural language of children, a crucial medium through which they learn, explore, and express themselves. This session dives deep into the significance of play and the therapeutic applications that support emotional and developmental growth.
- 🎯Encourages creativity and imagination.
- 🧠Helps children process emotions and experiences.
- 🤝Builds trust and communication skills.
- 🌱Supports social, cognitive, and emotional development.
Types of Play
Children engage in multiple types of play, each contributing uniquely to growth:
- 🧩 Constructive Play: Building and creating, develops problem-solving and motor skills.
- 🎨 Creative Play: Drawing, painting, and imaginative games to express emotions.
- 🏃♂️ Physical Play: Running, jumping, and sports to enhance coordination and health.
- 🎭 Dramatic Play: Acting out scenarios to understand roles, empathy, and emotions.
- 🧸 Therapeutic Play: Guided activities with therapists to address specific emotional needs.
Developmental Benefits of Play
- 💬Enhances verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
- 🧠Boosts cognitive development and problem-solving abilities.
- ❤️Supports emotional regulation and empathy.
- 🌍Fosters social interaction and teamwork skills.
- 🎯Encourages focus, goal setting, and resilience.
Play Therapy Goals & Techniques
Play Therapy uses structured play to help children overcome emotional or behavioral challenges.
- 🧸Safe space for self-expression.
- 🎨Art and creative activities reveal feelings.
- 🎭Role play to process experiences and trauma.
- 📊Observation of behavior provides insight into mental states.
- 🤝Builds trust and strengthens child-therapist relationship.
Assessing Child History
Before therapy, understanding the child’s history is vital. Techniques include:
- 📋Parent interviews and questionnaires.
- 🏠Observation of home and school environment.
- 🧸Initial play sessions to gauge behavior and emotional expression.
- 📝Tracking developmental milestones and challenges.
These steps allow therapists to design a tailored, effective Play Therapy plan for each child.
Meet Our Experts
Seethalakshmi Sivakumar
Psychologist & NLP Coach
MSc Psychology | Diploma in Excellence in Yoga | PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
Managing Director and Lead Counsellor at Emocare, specialising in counselling, psychotherapy, CBT, life coaching, and emotional wellness with over 20 years of experience.
Siva Kumar
Psychologist, Career Analyst & Counsellor
MSc Psychology | MBA (HR) | PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
Expert in career analysis, psychological guidance, and counselling for children and adults. Helps clients overcome challenges with empathy and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- ❓What age group benefits most from Play Therapy?
Typically 3–12 years, but older children can also benefit depending on needs. - ❓How long does a Play Therapy session last?
Sessions are usually 45–60 minutes, depending on the child’s attention span. - ❓Is Play Therapy effective for behavioral issues?
Yes, it helps children express feelings, reduce anxiety, and improve behavior over time.