Play Therapy
Is Your Child Struggling with Emotions They Can't Quite Express?
Do you feel your child is having trouble with feelings they can't put into words? Is your child burdened with emotions that he or she can't define, maybe because they no longer find pleasure in activities they once found exciting or prefer to spend time alone rather than with others? You might observe changes in their behavior, like difficulty getting out of bed in the morning and a loss of interest in activities they usually enjoyed. It can be hard to see your child struggle and not be able to help as a parent.
Understanding How Emotions Impact Children
Children tend to express their feelings differently from adults. Instead of using words, they act out. They may even become irritable or moody, or they begin to misbehave at school.
You may notice that they are avoiding things they used to enjoy, or that their eating and sleeping patterns have changed; perhaps they are not eating, eating more, or are unable to sleep. Such behavior might be a sign that your child is going through feelings hard to express. At Heart and Mind Healing, we want to assure you that your child doesn't need to be alone and can start on the pathway of recovery with appropriate support. Play Therapy is an approach that is gentle and kindly in order to help your child express their feelings and overcome the adversity they are experiencing. Through the process of play, children re-find their joy and connection.
Understanding How Emotions Affect Children
Children often express their emotions differently from adults. Instead of talking about what’s bothering them, they might show it through changes in behavior. They might seem more irritable, act out at school, or avoid activities they once enjoyed. You might notice shifts in their eating or sleeping patterns—perhaps they’re eating more or less than usual or having trouble sleeping.
Play Therapy Offers a Safe Space for Emotional Expression
At Heart and Mind Healing, we believe that each child feels and finds a way to learn to express their emotions at their own pace. Play Therapy is a warm, gentle method by which your child may explore feelings and learn ways to cope with challenges. Through play, a child finds ways to talk about what is on their mind without having to say everything directly.
How Play Therapy Can Support Your Child’s Emotional Well-Being
Play Therapy creates a safe and nurturing environment in which children may explore their feelings at their own pace. Through this kind of therapy, the child can express feelings, work through experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping with life using play, which is a natural medium of communication for children. Your child will find happiness and reconnect with their inner strength through play.
What Happens in Play Therapy?
During each play therapy session, we begin by establishing a warm, receptive atmosphere that is nonjudgmental and safe for your child. Through different types of play—drawing, storytelling, or imaginative games—your child can express themselves in ways that feel natural and nonthreatening. We follow and engage them to help us understand the feelings and experiences that may be of concern.
Play Therapy can also help your child with feelings of disconnection or isolation by exploring ways to strengthen their relationships with family and friends. We will introduce a number of tools and techniques to assist them in better managing their emotions, so they can start feeling much more in control of their world.
Techniques We Use in Play Therapy
At Heart and Mind Healing, we cater our approach to fit your child's unique needs. We draw on other creative therapies such as Sand Tray Therapy, where a child can create scenes representing their thoughts and feelings. We may also use art therapy for the expression of those emotions through drawing or painting.
All these various forms of play allow your child to explore their feelings in a safe and supportive setting. In the long run, this can assist them in becoming more resilient, elevating their mood, and developing a healthier emotional outlook.
Considering Play Therapy for Your Child?
I have never visited a therapist, and neither has my child. What should I expect?
Embarking on something new can be scary, but what's most important is your child's emotional well-being. In Play Therapy, we'll spend time getting to know your child and helping them feel comfortable in the therapeutic space. There's no rush; every session goes at a pace comfortable for your child. The aim here is to build up a therapeutic relationship in which your child can say or express what they wish, in whatever manner they would like.
How long does therapy usually take?
Play therapy sessions usually last 45 minutes, although the total number of sessions does vary depending on your child's needs. Some children require only a few sessions, while others take a little more time to work through their emotions. Together, we can develop a plan to support your child in the best possible way as he/she journeys toward emotional well-being.
What if My Child is Reluctant to Express Their Feelings?
It is common for children not to want to talk about their feelings; sometimes they don't know how to say what they are feeling, and many times they feel overwhelmed. Play Therapy is designed to meet them where they are, allowing them to communicate through play, which often feels more natural and less intimidating than words. As they become comfortable, they might begin to open up some, but even if they do not, the play itself becomes a valuable tool for healing.
Let Us Help Your Child Explore Their Emotions and Build Confidence
If your child is struggling with an internal battle that they can't quite put into words, our therapists at Heart and Mind Healing are available to help. We will work through play to support your child's emotional well-being and help them find their way to a happier, healthy state of mind.. Please call (720) 830-7786 or Contact Us for your free, 15-minute consultation to see how our play therapy services can help you.
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Play Therapy In Denver, CO
950 S Cherry St suite 1675
Denver, CO 80246