Childhood is a beautiful, exciting, and sometimes unbearable adventure. Birth, growth, separation… milestones to reach, boundaries to respect… the sharing, the playground, the first day of school…. So many new experiences, so much information, so many demands.
Childhood is a delicately balanced struggle between being who we really are (wearing our Halloween costume in April) and being what everyone expects us to be. That struggle inevitably results in the formation of fears, insecurities, and frustration. Add in an extreme stressor like that of the loss of a loved one, the separation or divorce of one’s parents, or a traumatic victimization such as bullying or sexual abuse, and childhood can be a very complicated time. Because children are little and lack the vocabulary to give voice to their fears and frustrations, they must have access to materials through which they can express them.
Play, art, and sand – three vital mediums to childhood expression - help children play out feelings and experiences while exploring all parts of their personalities. When children are given access to toys, art supplies, and a sandtray, especially in the safe, non-judgmental, and nurturing environment of the play therapy office, they transfer feelings onto objects, expressing through toys and art instead of projecting onto people. In turn, they heal, find relief, and have fun!
Parents often report to me, after only a few play therapy sessions, that they’ve noticed three important shifts in their child:
- More content & happier
- Greater confidence
- More resilient
Perhaps your child has recently experienced an unexpected stressor or traumatic event, or she is struggling to find calm after every upset, or he is generally doing well, but struggles with some shyness that inhibits him socially – no matter the circumstances, if you are wondering if your child may benefit from symbolic play in the nurturing environment of the counseling office, feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I can be reached at 410-483-9851.