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How does play therapy differ from traditional talk therapy for children?

Jesica Pitts

Play therapy is a kind of therapy where children use toys, art, and other fun things to talk about their feelings and work through their problems. Traditional talk therapy is just talking with a therapist about your feelings and problems.

The big difference between play therapy and traditional talk therapy is that play therapy is easier and more fun for kids. Kids might not know how to talk about their feelings with words, but they can use toys and art to show how they feel instead. Play therapy helps kids feel more comfortable and safe when they're talking about their problems.

Another difference is that play therapy is more hands-on. Kids can use their senses to work through their problems. They can touch, feel, create, and imagine things to help them understand their feelings. This can be especially helpful for young children who might not have the words to express what's going on inside of them.

Lastly, play therapy focuses on the present moment. Kids can use play to work through their problems right now, instead of just talking about them. This can give kids a sense of control over their feelings and help them feel more confident in themselves.

Overall, play therapy and traditional talk therapy are both helpful for children. But play therapy can be more effective for kids who have a harder time expressing themselves with words or who need a little extra help feeling comfortable talking about their feelings. It's a fun and safe way for kids to work through their problems and feel better about themselves.