Play Therapy in West Kelowna: A Comprehensive Guide

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Understanding the Effectiveness of Play Therapy

Why is play therapy effective? 

Play therapy allows the child or youth to verbally or emotionally express themselves in a secure and empathetic environment where they will not be judged, and this is what makes play therapy effective. The kids can show, label, feel and express their shame, sadness, grief, anger, and happiness or what makes them excited which may not be offered in their daily environments. From this freedom of expression and through observations I can implement intervention strategies to help the child reach their goals. 

When the child appears to be wanting to express an emotion like anger, I can jump in and provide an alternative appropriate behaviour. By teaching the child or youth new coping skills within this moment, it allows the child the experience which in turn, allows them to use the coping skill in the future in similar situations.  Allowing the child or youth to have effective problem-solving skills so situations do not escalate.  

Research on play therapy is most effective when the child or youth has developed a rapport with their counsellor. The relationship is built when the child is provided the therapist can provide the youth with whatever needs they have and there is warmth and safety. As the relationship grows, the child becomes more comfortable and begins to disclose more and more and wants to learn different skills. When the child or youth can verbalize their fears, emotions, thoughts and behaviours, they gain a sense of empowerment and control. 

When is Play Therapy used?

Play and art therapy are used with children ages 6- 18 and can be used with adults with inner child therapy. This modality is very helpful with kids because it suits the dialogue, the child/youth is developmentally capable of. If a child or youth is struggling with emotional, social, behavioural, and communication, play therapy techniques can be used to reduce the intensity and frequency of the child’s discomfort. 

This modality is also the best way for children to process trauma and grief as they do not have to talk about it directly but use play or art to express the emotions and thoughts that arise from their experience. Play and art therapy is also very effective for addressing the child and youth’s academic and learning needs or style. 

What results to expect from Play Therapy?

As children and youth need a sense of safety a few sessions is needed to build this rapport and so, progress may not be had for a couple of weeks. During the child’s first few sessions, I limit the amount of time the parents are in the session, to ease anxiety for the child, we will stagger the parent's presence. This may look like them being in the room and as comfort increases, the parent can sit in the office and with more safety established, most parents go and run errands during the child’s session. 

I also do not ask the child what is bringing them to counselling, instead as questions about what they like and do not like, I let the child find the safety to disclose on their own. From these interests, I get insight into their personality style, and any learning disabilities and use these when we do direct play or art therapy. 

There are two forms of play and art therapy, one is directed, and one is non-directed. Non-directed play or art can be a bit longer as the child or youth has the freedom to express what they would like to get out or to grow. Then there is directed play/art therapy, which addresses specific goals with specific techniques to pull out thoughts and feelings, process trauma or learn emotion regulation skills. 

‍Why is play therapy effective in West Kelowna counselling services?

‍Play therapy allows the child or youth to verbally or emotionally express themselves in a secure and empathetic environment where they will not be judged, and this is what makes play therapy effective.

The kids can show, label, feel, and express their shame, sadness, grief, anger, and happiness or what makes them excited which may not be offered in their daily environments. From this freedom of expression and through observations, I can implement intervention strategies to help the child reach their goals.

Intervening in Emotional Expressions

When the child appears to be wanting to express an emotion like anger, I can jump in and provide an alternative appropriate behaviour. By teaching the child or youth new coping skills within this moment, it allows the child the experience which in turn, allows them to use the coping skill in the future in similar situations. Allowing the child or youth to have effective problem-solving skills so situations do not escalate.

The Importance of Building Rapport in Play Therapy

Research on play therapy is most effective when the child or youth has developed a rapport with their counsellor. The relationship is built when the child is provided the therapist can provide the youth with whatever needs they have and there is warmth and safety. As the relationship grows, the child becomes more comfortable and begins to disclose more and more and wants to learn different skills. When the child or youth can verbalize their fears, emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, they gain a sense of empowerment and control.

When and Why is Play Therapy Used?

‍When is it used in West Kelowna counselling?Play and art therapy are used with children ages 6- 18 and can be used with adults with inner child therapy. This modality is very helpful with kids because it suits the dialogue, the child/youth is developmentally capable of. If a child or youth is struggling with emotional, social, behavioural, and communication, play therapy techniques can be used to reduce the intensity and frequency of the child’s discomfort.

Addressing Trauma and Grief Through Play Therapy

This modality is also the best way for children to process trauma and grief as they do not have to talk about it directly but use play or art to express the emotions and thoughts that arise from their experience. Play and art therapy is also very effective for addressing the child and youth’s academic and learning needs or style.

Setting Expectations: What to Anticipate in Play Therapy Sessions?

‍What to expect from our West Kelowna counselling services? As children and youth need a sense of safety, a few sessions are needed to build this rapport and so, progress may not be had for a couple of weeks. During the child’s first few sessions, I limit the amount of time the parents are in the session, to ease anxiety for the child, we will stagger the parent's presence. This may look like them being in the room and as comfort increases, the parent can sit in the office and with more safety established, most parents go and run errands during the child’s session.

Approaching the Child's Needs and Interests

I also do not ask the child what is bringing them to counselling, instead, ask questions about what they like and do not like, I let the child find the safety to disclose on their own. From these interests, I get insight into their personality style, and any learning disabilities and use these when we do direct play or art therapy.

Directed vs. Non-Directed Play/Art Therapy

There are two forms of play and art therapy, one is directed, and one is non-directed. Non-directed play or art can be a bit longer as the child or youth has the freedom to express what they would like to get out or to grow. Then there is directed play/art therapy, which addresses specific goals with specific techniques to pull out thoughts and feelings, process trauma, or learn emotion regulation skills.

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