On the Coast – Families Issue 94 I June/July 2018 | Page 29

and leads the play in any way they wish
(unless the activity becomes destructive,
in which case the parent will need to
redirect the play). The child chooses what
to play and makes up their own rules.
The parent watches and only gets
involved when instructed by the child
(no questions or suggestions from the
parent). This can be very difficult for
some parents but this type of play can
tell you a lot about your child. It is also
extremely beneficial for the child as
they experience a sense of control in
their world and your uninterrupted
availability.
Play Therapy
As children communicate through play
it makes sense that as a child therapist
I use play as a way to support children
to process and heal from traumatic
experiences.
Play therapy differs from regular
play in that the therapist helps
children to address and resolve their
problems through structured or
semi-structured play.
Sharing the world with
adults is part of a child’s
reality and they need to
spend some time
in the ‘adult world’
Through play therapy children
learn communication skills, problem
solving skills, relaxation skills and how
to express their feelings. It also teaches
them the ability to self-regulate and
facilitates healing from past stressful or
traumatic experiences.
A therapist may use a sandbox with
miniature items, puppets, stuffed toys,
dolls, art materials, play dough, sensory
toys and a variety of child friendly
activities.
I recently treated a 5-year-old girl who
has experienced intense trauma in her
short life. At our play sessions she played
out the story of a princess in danger. In
the beginning her story always ended in
despair. The main theme in her story was
that no-one was able to ‘save’ her, not
the prince, not the guard, not even the
flying horse. As sad as it was, the story
was her truth. Through family therapy,
processing her trauma and ensuring she
was in a safe environment, her story
and play slowly changed over time from
despair to safety and trust. This little girl
wasn’t able to talk about and process her
trauma in words, but through symbolic
play she was communicating her own
experiences and feelings and was able to
find healing.
Not all children need play therapy
but all children need special play time
with their parents. Play time with your
child will strengthen the parent child
attachment and will definitely give your
child the message of being loved (and
liked).
Lindie has a Master’s degree in Social Work. She is a trained Attachment therapist and Play therapist.
Lindie specialises in working with children who have experienced trauma and attachment difficulties.
Contact Lindie on 0424 882 013, or visit her Facebook page Lindie (Nell Child Therapist Central Coast).
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JUNE/JULY – ISSUE 94
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