What is Play Therapy?

Association for Play Therapy (APT) defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.

Who can participate in play therapy ?

Play therapy can be used with individuals of all ages, but it is most often used with children ages 3-12 years old. Play-based activities such as art interventions and therapeutic games are also often helpful for older adolescents and teenagers.

What topics can be addressed in play therapy?

• parental separation/divorce

• disturbance of conduct

• sibling/family conflict

• anxiety

• depression

• trauma

• school-related difficulties

• anger management

• grief/loss

• etc.
  

What are potential benefits of play therapy?

• Increasing emotional awareness of self and others

• Developing creative problem-solving skills and coping strategies

• Improving healthy communication with others

• Gaining confidence and self-respect

• Promoting healthy ways to engage in self-expression and decision-making

At Cornerstone Counseling & Wellness, PLLC we have multiple staff members who specialize in offering play-based activities to school-aged children. To learn more about whether therapeutic play would be a good fit for your child, please contact Hannah Edwardson at 919-670-0259 or via email at edwardsonh@cornerstonecounselingnc.net.