Play therapy
Play therapy uses techniques to engage children in recreational activities to help them cope with their problems and fears. A play therapist works with children according to their age level.
Since children express themselves through play, this type of therapy can be very helpful for children who are victims of abuse or who have mental disorders. Play therapy can help children:
- Handle being away from their family members if they need to be in the hospital or in foster care.
- Cooperate with health professionals during evaluation or treatment.
- Express unpleasant experiences and feelings they can not communicate verbally.
- Develop a sense of personal power and control over their lives.
- Learn how to cope with their fears and concerns.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Lila Havens |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Gisele Ferguson, MD, FRCPC - Psychiatry, Child and Youth Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | April 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
April 25, 2007
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