Play Is A Childs Work
In recent years a growing number of mental health professionals have observed that play is as important to human happiness and well being as love and work (Schaefer, 1993). Some of the greatest thinkers of all time, including Aristotle and Plato, have reflected on why play is so fundamental in our lives. The following are some of the many benefits of play that have been described by play theorists.
Play is a fun, enjoyable activity that raises our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. It expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization, and self-efficacy. Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego (Landreth, 2002). In addition, play allows us to practice skills and roles needed for survival. Learning and development are best encouraged through play (Russ, 2004).
What Is Play Therapy?
Initially developed at the turn of the 20th century, play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy differs from regular play because the therapist helps the child to address and resolve their own problems. Play therapy builds on the way children learn about themselves and their relationships with the world around them (Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). During Play Therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.
How Does Play Therapy Work?
Children are referred for play therapy to resolve their problems (Carmichael; 2006; Schaefer, 1993). Often, children have depleted their own problem-solving tools, and in turn, may misbehave, act out at home, at school, or with friends (Landreth, 2002). Play therapy allows trained mental health practitioners who specialize in play therapy to assess and understand children's play. Further, play therapy is utilized to help children cope with difficult emotions and find solutions to problems (Moustakas, 1997; Reddy, Files-Hall, & Schaefer, 2005). By confronting problems in the clinical Play Therapy setting, children find healthier solutions. Play therapy allows children to change the way they think about, feel toward, and resolve their concerns (Kaugars & Russ, 2001). Even the most troubling problems can be confronted in play therapy and lasting resolutions can be discovered, rehearsed, mastered and adapted into lifelong strategies (Russ, 2004).
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