“So, will my child just be playing the whole time?”
As experienced play therapists, this is something we hear on occasion, and we get it. To the naked eye, our bright, beautiful, Vienna, Virginia office space is filled with enticing dollhouses, bins of shiny costumes, inviting reading nooks, and so much more. Trust us, though; when it comes to childhood, there is no such thing as just playing.
Why use play therapy?
Children naturally express themselves through play, so play is a logical tool for helping children process concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and family-related changes. Play also gives children an outlet to communicate their feelings when they may not have the vocabulary to express themselves in words.
What does play therapy look like?
Here at Family & Child Therapy, we use play therapy often in our appointments with our youngest clients. Our play therapy approach can incorporate many strategies, including but not limited to the following:
Roleplaying with toys and dolls
Storytelling using books and/or props
Coloring or engaging in other art forms
Moving and staging small figurines in an elevated sand tray
As therapists with extensive training in play therapy, we know how to facilitate a child’s natural play in a way that gently encourages expression of feelings, concerns, and traumatic experiences in a safe and trusting environment. We can then use additional strategies and practices to validate the child’s emotions and help them process their experiences so they can begin to heal.
Do you offer playgroups as well?
While we regularly engage in play therapy with individual clients, we also provide playgroup options that use play to build community between children sharing similar interests and experiences. At the moment, we have two unique playgroup offerings that are open for registration:
Currently underway, our Neurodivergent Affirming Child-Centered Playgroup is open to children ages 6-7. Participants will engage in play that fosters connection and communication while embracing and deeply respecting each child’s beautiful neurodiversity. Learn More about our Neurodivergent Affirming Child-Centered Play Group here:
Beginning on July 18th, our Gender Diverse Affirming Playgroup is open to children ages 7-10. Through different avenues of play, participants will have the opportunity to explore their own unique gender identities and celebrate the identities of others. Learn more about the Gender Diverse Affirming Playgroup here:
What about teen clients?
Although the explicit need for play wanes as children enter adolescence, we have found that many of the tenets of play therapy - such as finding creative ways for self-expression - are still valuable components of our therapeutic practice. To that end, we are excited to offer a Teen LGBTQ+ and Ally Group this fall that will use art as a tool to foster connection, self-expression, and mutual support. Learn more about the Teen LGBTQ+ and Ally Group here:
When do you stop suggesting play as a therapeutic practice?
The benefits of play across the lifespan can be advantageous to adults, too. Not only does play create a fun and interactive way to learn new things and develop skills, but it also allows for opportunities to bond with friends and family. Furthermore, engaging in playful activities can help reduce stress levels as well as provide an effective outlet for emotions. All in all, playing across the lifespan offers countless benefits that are essential for overall well being, and we are therefore happy to incorporate or suggest elements of play while working with our adult clients.
Where can I learn more?
While it brings us great joy to provide play-based group therapy options to members of our community here in Northern Virginia, we also continue to offer a play-based approach during individual appointments both in our Vienna, Virginia office and via telehealth.
If any of our group or individual options interest you, or if you would simply like to learn more about our practice, feel free to reach out and schedule a free consultation.
We’re not just “playing around” when we say that we look forward to hearing from you!