Using technology in play therapy
It's not news to most people that children these days are growing up with far more technology at their fingertips than ever before. The amount of TV's, computers, consoles, tablets, phones, etc. has increased significantly over the past 10 years. With that in mind, kids are able to not only communicate through these devices but also with them.
Given toys are the words of a child and play is their language I believe it's incredibly important to incorporate specific forms of play that are familiar to a child. If I want my child to communicate everything they are experiencing in order to help them grow, adjust, etc., I want to ensure I use "words" that they?
You might be worried about the idea that your child is playing as part of therapy let alone knowing they might be playing a videogame during that time. So, let me help calm your fears. As a trained play therapist, I've been educated on the seriousness and intentionality with which any therapist should or should not put certain toys in the playroom. Not only that but what types of techniques and interventions are most effective for certain children. That being said, your child may or may not end up using technology in the play room depending on what their specific needs are.
As many of you know, there is still a stigma around mental health and mental illness and therefore around one's desire to receive mental health services. This is one way in which the use of video games in therapy can help, by providing a vehicle through which children can still identify, express, and navigate their emotions while also not feel embarrassed or ashamed about it. Imagine your kid telling their friends that they sometimes play videogames in therapy and for you to know it's used intentionally and has helped your child grow and develop in a healthy way?
Videogames are also a helpful tool for children who might struggle with various social skills and interpersonal relationships. There are specific videogames and ways in which videogames are used to help children practice these skills in a safer and more controlled environment through their online avatars or characters. The therapist can then observe how a child interacts with other kids online or characters in the game to gain insight into other interventions that may help the child develop different interpersonal skills. For example, growing research shows technology-based treatment, self-help or therapist-assisted, is effective for people with anxiety and depression.
At times I may use videogames in working with families to help them understand and strengthen individual relationships or the overall family system. At other times, I may use videogames to better understand your child by witnesses how they play with me and the types of themes that show up in their play. For example, one child may choose to be a healer character in a game which might indicate their desire to nurture or be nurtured.
If you're interested in finding out helpful ways with which to engage and monitor your children and their online usage, here is a great resource! https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/digital-guidelines
Given toys are the words of a child and play is their language I believe it's incredibly important to incorporate specific forms of play that are familiar to a child. If I want my child to communicate everything they are experiencing in order to help them grow, adjust, etc., I want to ensure I use "words" that they?
You might be worried about the idea that your child is playing as part of therapy let alone knowing they might be playing a videogame during that time. So, let me help calm your fears. As a trained play therapist, I've been educated on the seriousness and intentionality with which any therapist should or should not put certain toys in the playroom. Not only that but what types of techniques and interventions are most effective for certain children. That being said, your child may or may not end up using technology in the play room depending on what their specific needs are.
As many of you know, there is still a stigma around mental health and mental illness and therefore around one's desire to receive mental health services. This is one way in which the use of video games in therapy can help, by providing a vehicle through which children can still identify, express, and navigate their emotions while also not feel embarrassed or ashamed about it. Imagine your kid telling their friends that they sometimes play videogames in therapy and for you to know it's used intentionally and has helped your child grow and develop in a healthy way?
Videogames are also a helpful tool for children who might struggle with various social skills and interpersonal relationships. There are specific videogames and ways in which videogames are used to help children practice these skills in a safer and more controlled environment through their online avatars or characters. The therapist can then observe how a child interacts with other kids online or characters in the game to gain insight into other interventions that may help the child develop different interpersonal skills. For example, growing research shows technology-based treatment, self-help or therapist-assisted, is effective for people with anxiety and depression.
At times I may use videogames in working with families to help them understand and strengthen individual relationships or the overall family system. At other times, I may use videogames to better understand your child by witnesses how they play with me and the types of themes that show up in their play. For example, one child may choose to be a healer character in a game which might indicate their desire to nurture or be nurtured.
If you're interested in finding out helpful ways with which to engage and monitor your children and their online usage, here is a great resource! https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/digital-guidelines