Like adults, children struggle with emotions and behaviors that can make life challenging for themselves and for those around them. It is not uncommon for children to begin acting out , shutting down or withdrawing when they have experienced something unfamiliar, scary, unexpected or traumatic.
Sometimes parents know what has happened to trigger this behavior change and sometimes they have no idea. Play therapists are trained to help identify the root cause of dysregulation and work with the child’s entire family system to help the child return to their optimal level of functioning.
Unlike adults, children’s brains are not fully developed, a necessary component for traditional talk therapy. Play is the language of children and how they communicate what is happening internally. Play therapy offers a unique and effective way to address these issues in a safe and honoring environment that is child-friendly.