What happens when Play meets Therapy?
As therapists, what truly sets us apart is our unique blend of skills and specializations. Earning certifications and mastering new techniques not only demonstrates our expertise but also builds trust with our clients, assuring them that they are in capable hands. So if you are someone who’s already working with children or dreaming of doing so, then Play Therapy is your golden ticket. Think of this as your go-to guide for everything you need to support your youngest clients. Be sure to save this post for future reference and jot down insights as you explore!
What makes play therapy effective ?
Play is pure joy! When children aged 3 to 12 dive into play, their world lights up with excitement. Many kids, especially those you would work with, may not usually find traditional therapy as captivating as building with blocks, exploring storybooks, or watching colorful videos. So if you want this little client of yours to “express themselves” better, then ditch the old methods and instead opt for “Play Therapy” which has a duration of 12 weeks (that totally didn’t sound like an ad 😂).
Methods used in Play Therapy:
Since my brother and I were kids, the only "old-fashioned way" we would fall asleep at night was when our dad would tell us stories. Little did we know that this ancient tradition of storytelling could also be useful in "Play Therapy." In the same context, both the therapist and the child come together to create stories, which enhances the child's imagination and help the therapist understand the child's presenting problems in an imaginative way. Once the issues are understood, the therapist can assist the child in reframing and reshaping their narratives.
This method is my personal favorite, a kind of secret / morse code for the therapy world. If you guessed it, you are close: it is the “Draw a family picture” technique. Which does not have any complicated steps, but just a single, simple instruction. Here the therapist invites the child to draw their family. Once the drawing is complete, the therapist explores its details, asking thoughtful questions about what each part represents. Sometimes, even a cheerful family scene can hide unsettling elements within the picture. These gentle questions help the client bring their hidden fears and thoughts into the open.
“Sandpits” weren't just a vibe when we were kids ? Trying to run as fast as we could on the sand, playing on the see-saw, slides, and other things. Man, those were the days ! Now, even though we can’t quite get those days back, you, as a Play therapist, can for sure use it to your advantage. “Sandtray Therapy” is a method that uses a sandbox, some toys, and other objects. And helps kids dealing with trauma, ADHD, grief, as it is a very creative way for the child to represent their actual world in the form of “Sandtray Therapy”.
Don’t you ever wish your three wishes could come true? The very idea feels so fantasy-coded. While we as therapists can’t be a “fairy godmother” for our little clients, we can use the Magic Wand Game to understand them better. Imagine asking a child their three wishes—chances are, at least one will reveal their inner world, whether it’s a longing for safety, connection, or even control. A simple game, yet full of meaning.
So if you are someone looking for a sign as a therapist to do something different in your expertise, then this is it ! Get that experience and a proper certification, supervised training and start practicing as a play therapist ! Some of the online links from where you can get these certifications are attached below:
As a final reminder, you may work as a Certified Play Therapist only if you hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's in a related field such as Clinical or Counseling Psychology, appropriate certification, supervised practice, and a postgraduate diploma for additional experience. I hope this guide has been helpful to those interested in pursuing this career.
