Play Therapy ...

Most children, especially younger ones, find it difficult if not impossible to express their feelings verbally. Many professionals believe that most children are incapable of identifying and putting words to their emotions until at they are at least 11 years old, if even then. They simply don't have the brain structures or the experience and self-knowledge. That is one of the reasons why most children when asked by an adult why they just did what they did answer, "I don't know." In many cases this is a totally honest response. This is even more true for children who have been traumatized in some way.

For this reason, traditional "talk-therapy" usually doesn't work for children, not even for teenagers. Don't we all know some adults who can't or are afraid to talk about their feelings?

So, many child therapists use a technique called "play therapy." This therapy is based on the observation that while children may not be able to talk about their problems, when given the right tools and a safe place, they will act out and often resolve the issues which are troubling them. It can also be a good diagnostic tool for assessing the kind and extent of traumas a child has experienced, the level of dysfunction in the child's background, or their ability to learn, develop social skills and make judgments. It is said that "a child's play is a child's work."

Our play room is equipped with an extensive selection of materials that help children express themselves ... including a  complete doll house, doll families, sandbox, even a punching bag.

The art room has, of course, lots of art supplies, games, a wet sand box, and much more. We get to make whatever kind of messes we need to without anyone to get upset about it. We even have a special wall where each child, if they want, can leave their own handprint.

While it looks like what it is ... play ... expressive play is intensive work. Your child will be under constant observation and we are often highly engaged in whatever activity they choose. If you're the parent of a hyperactive child, you are aware of how much activity this can mean.