There are various types of play therapy suited to different diagnoses. In our previous blog on play therapy, we defined this psychological intervention while highlighting a few of its benefits. This blog serves to talk about how play therapy can be beneficial for those diagnosed with autism, anxiety, ADHD and other conditions.
Play therapy has a profound number of benefits associated with it, as previously mentioned in our first part of this blog series. We looked at how it is utilised with clients who have suffered trauma, experience anxiety, display abnormal behaviour within school, and so forth. But there are also types of play therapy specific to certain psychological diagnoses or environments.
Play Therapy for Disorders & Trauma
For Autism
Play therapy can be a fantastic outlet for communication in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One such play therapy technique is that of LEGO therapy, which typically involves an engineer, a builder and a supplier. With each “person” playing a very important role in LEGO therapy, it has proved to be highly effective.
Particular benefits associated with this technique include an improvement in:
- Communication skills;
- ASD-specific behaviourism;
- Coping mechanisms;
- Social interactions;
- Family relationships;
- Building new friendships;
- And more.
Play Therapy for Trauma
Play therapy centered around children displaying Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms has proven to be highly effective. Some of its success in trauma cases can be ascribed to the nature of play itself, where children can switch off from what bothers them and recreate their own scenarios based on what they can handle at that time. Because children are in control of the nature of their play, it encourages an improved level of independence. This type of play therapy is extremely useful in those who battle with conventional therapy itself.
Play Therapy for Anxiety
Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT) is highly effective for easing anxiety in children aged six to eight years old. As traditional approaches to treating anxiety are not always effective with children, play therapy is welcomed as a newer technique. Play therapy conducted in a low-stress environment can be exercised as a great tool for parents and teachers.
For ADHD
As ADHD in children sees a child struggling to play with others, play therapy is a given therapeutic intervention with such cases. To use this therapy with children who suffer from ADHD has proven to encourage more positive social behaviour during play. Therapist-led sessions, in particular, has proven to be extremely beneficial as parents become more acquainted and learn how to lead playtime from therapists themselves.
Play therapy continues to prove profoundly effective as it allows children to let go of their stressors and discard their trauma. Focusing various types of play therapy around specific circumstances or disorders allows for growth in various challenging areas which the client may initially struggle in. Feel free to consult with me or make an enquiry on play therapy as a potential psychological intervention.
