Play Therapy: A Healing Pathway for Children

Understanding Play Therapy

Play therapy, also known as child psychotherapy, is a powerful psychotherapeutic intervention designed for children aged 4 to 12. This approach leverages the natural medium of play to help children express, process, and overcome various emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. Through play, children can communicate their inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that is comfortable and natural for them.

The Role of Play in Therapy

Play is not just an activity; it’s a universal language and a fundamental human need, crucial for development throughout life. For children, play serves as a natural form of communication, allowing them to express themselves freely. In a therapeutic context, play helps in establishing trust between the child and the therapist, facilitating emotional expression, regulation, and providing behavioral insights. Play therapy is also instrumental in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health concerns, fostering empowerment, resilience, and personal growth in children.

The Play Therapy Process

1. Parent Intake Session
   The parent intake session is a critical initial step in the play therapy process. During this session, the therapist meets with the child’s parents or guardians to gather relevant background information, understand the parental perspective on the presenting issue, and identify potential systemic challenges. Therapy goals are collaboratively set with the parents, while a separate discussion is held with the child to develop their therapy goals. This session is conducted without the child present to avoid any anxiety that could hinder the therapeutic process.
2. Contracting
   Contracting ensures that all parties—parents, child, and therapist—are aligned and working towards common goals. This includes clarifying roles and responsibilities, addressing any questions, and discussing administrative details such as session timing, fees, confidentiality, and parental involvement. The initial session with the child includes signing an assent form, where the child commits to their therapy journey and outlines their personal goals.
3. Play Therapy Sessions
   These confidential sessions are exclusively between the therapist and the child, focusing on addressing the child’s specific emotional and behavioral challenges through play.
4. Parent Feedback
   Parent feedback sessions can either stand alone or be incorporated into the last 5-10 minutes of a therapy session. Feedback is first discussed with the child, giving them autonomy and ownership of their process. If the child is at risk of harming themselves or others, the therapist may share information with the parents without the child’s consent. Additionally, parental guidance may be provided to help parents support their child’s growth and address issues at home.
5. Termination
   Termination of therapy is voluntary and can be initiated by the therapist, child, or parents at any point. It’s crucial to discuss the decision openly to ensure that, if therapy goals have not yet been met, the child’s continuity of care is considered. Options may include continuing with parental guidance, referring to another therapist, or exploring group therapy.

Confidentiality in Play Therapy

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of play therapy. All information shared by the child is treated with the utmost confidentiality. For children aged 12 to 18, specific confidentiality rules apply, and no information is disclosed to third parties without the child’s consent, except in certain situations:

• Emergency Situations: If there is a real risk of harm to the child or others, the therapist may break confidentiality to prevent harm.
• Statutory Duty: Legal obligations, such as reporting child abuse or dangerous behavior, may require disclosure.
• Court Orders: A court may order the disclosure of private information, though the therapist will try to prevent this wherever possible.
• Clients Under 18 Years: Parents are regularly informed about the therapeutic process and progress, but content from sessions is only shared with the child’s consent, unless there are concerns about criminal or dangerous behavior.

Ethical Considerations

Ethically, both biological parents must provide written consent for any therapeutic intervention or psychological assessment with a minor (under 18). If one parent is unavailable, the present parent must provide an affidavit. In cases where therapy is needed due to suspected abuse by a biological parent, the referring parent should discuss this with the therapist. The child’s best interest is always the top priority, and unique circumstances should be addressed with the therapist to ensure appropriate care.

Conclusion

Play therapy goes beyond mere play—it’s a structured, professional approach to helping children heal and grow. By engaging a trained therapist, parents can partner in creating a safe space for their child to be heard, understood, and supported. Whether dealing with trauma, behavioral challenges, or other mental health concerns, play therapy empowers children to overcome their difficulties and thrive.  Book your play therapy session with our Sunward Park Medical Centre – Boksburg offices today!