Why Play Therapy

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 Play Therapy builds on the natural way children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world (Axline,1947; Carmichael, 2006). Through play therapy children/teens learn to communicate better with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills and learn new ways of relating.  

Sand Castle Counseling uses primarily a play therapy model in working with children, adolescents and families. Play therapy is the treatment of choice in mental health settings for children of all ages. Play therapy is especially appropriate for children 2-13 years. Play therapy is used as an intervention of multiple conditions and concerns, such as anger management, grief, loss, family dissolution and trauma (Gil & Drewes ,2004: Landerth, Sweeney, Ray, Homeyer & Glover, 2005). It is also used for modification of behavioral disorders. This includes anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), autism or pervasive development, academic and social development, physical and learning disabilities and conduct disorders (Bratton, Ray & Rhine).

Research supports the effectiveness of play therapy with children whose problems are related to life stressors such as divorce, death, relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, stressful experiences, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and natural disasters.