THE BENEFITS OF PLAY THERAPY By Miriam Galindo

INTRODUCTION A licensed clinical social worker and psychologist, Dr. Miriam

Galindo has worked with children and families to help them work through issues. Dr. Miriam Galindo is well-versed in a number of techniques, and is a credentialed child play therapist.

Play therapy is a great tool in the field of psychology and social work. In play therapy, children are given the opportunity to engage in play activities under the supervision of a licensed professional. The types of play therapy vary. Children might be presented with a variety of toys that they can choose from, or be allowed to play in a sandbox or with media to explore their creativity. The therapy might also involve a parent interacting with a child, with the therapist guiding their interaction and communication.

PLAY THERAPY One of the key benefits to play therapy is that it is

fun for the child, and lets the child burn off energy and build confidence. However, play therapy can also be used to help the child communicate things that he or she might have difficulty expressing through words. Children struggling with divorce, for example, might find expressing ideas through play activities to be much easier than describing how they feel outright to a therapist. Additionally, the simple process of having fun can provide a therapeutic outlet for a child who is going through a difficult time.