Play-Based Psychology And Occupational Therapy For Children
There are countless reasons why children require care from occupational therapists and psychologists in Newcastle. These may include events or personal, mental or physical developments and changes, and seeking support can be an overwhelming situation. Because children process the world around them and express themselves differently from the adults caring for them, finding a medium in which they can navigate issues and concerns is important.
Play is something children gravitate to naturally in one format or another. Hence, utilising this as a method for therapy can be highly beneficial. Play therapy takes aspects of playtime and adds evidence-based techniques to guide and provide goal-directed therapy.
At Nest Health Hub, our psychologists and occupational therapists in Newcastle use play therapy as part of their care plans. Supporting children is a way that allows more open communication and insight can be a significantly positive step when help is required.
What Is Play-Based Therapy?
Play-based therapy is not the same as what your child may do in the playground or with their toys. This structured approach to therapy incorporates formal assessments and techniques to understand functional abilities, concerns, and areas in which focus is required. Adding this to a medium in which children are often more capable of comprehension, reflection, articulation, and expression enables our therapists to support and interact with our patients in a beneficial and age-appropriate way.
Qualified and experienced therapists can gain insights into a child’s problems and help them to explore and understand certain emotions, trauma, issues, and concerns. We can also provide strategies and coping mechanisms and encourage certain behaviours through play-based therapy.
How Does Play-Based Therapy Work?
A significant factor in providing beneficial therapy is finding a way to interact with a child that also enables them to express themselves. Afterall, many children have not yet gained the means to articulate themselves effectively or fluently, or interpret what is being said or done around them. In addition, adults run the risk of not understanding what a child is trying to convey.
Play-based therapy is designed to help navigate these issues. Children learn so much through play and can gain a lot of pleasure. It can also bring adults down to their level, making for a more equal and less threatening dynamic.
Providing therapy through play can help children feel more comfortable and less pressured and guarded, increasing the likelihood of them sharing what they are feeling or dealing with.
What Are The Benefits Of Play-Based Therapy?
There are so many advantages of incorporating play-based therapy into children’s psychology and occupational care. Some of these can include:
A way for adults and children to interact in a situation that can be stressful or intimidating. This can include our occupational therapists and psychologists as well as the child’s families and relevant network.
Improved or more appropriate social skills, respect, and empathy.
An understanding of certain behaviours and their consequences.
Better coping capabilities and problem-solving skills.
Reduced anxiety, stress, and emotional difficulties.
Increased self-esteem, confidence, and self-respect.
More able to express, describe, and explain emotions, worries, and experiences.
Increased fine and gross motor skills.
Who Can Benefit From Play-based Therapy?
Many children can benefit from receiving play-based therapy. Issues and events such as the following may be where play-based therapy can play an important role:
Medical procedures.
Chronic health conditions.
Family issues, such as domestic violence, divorce, and death.
Traumatic experiences.
Mental health concerns.
Developmental delays.
Problematic behaviours.
What Techniques Are Used?
Play-based therapy is personalised and made suitable and relevant according to each child’s circumstances, needs, personality, and background. We may watch the child as they interact with toys and resources independently to assess their behaviour and abilities. Discussing needs and goals with appropriate adults in the children’s life is also part of our initial process to establish a plan of action. Incorporating these important figures into the therapy process can also help with factors such as conflict resolution and developing stronger bonds.
Our therapists may lead some sessions in a more directed and structured format or may let the child have more control depending on the ongoing assessment and progress. Some techniques and resources we may utilise can include:
Arts and craft.
Storytelling and role playing.
Playing with toys such as stuffed animals, dolls and action figures, costumes, and construction blocks.
Sand, paint, and water play.
Dance, movement, and music.
Play-based Therapy Can Be Highly Beneficial
The way our occupational therapists and psychologists incorporate play-based therapy into our sessions can add an effective element into a child’s care. We are experienced, qualified, and understand the true benefits of play-based therapy and how to get the most out of it. Children of all ages dealing with a vast array of issues and concerns can benefit.
Contact Nest Health Hub today to book an appointment and find out how we can provide appropriate and effective play-based therapy.
