The magic of play: How play therapy turns toys into tools for healing
“The transformative power of play to help children heal, grow, and thrive.”
By Renae Plueckhahn, owner and director of Play Therapy SA
After the birth of my third child, while on Maternity Leave from my role as a Kindy Director, I suddenly lost the love of teaching. Wanting a challenge and something completely new that I could sink my teeth into, I stumbled across the concept of Play Therapy in the form of a Masters Degree and set out to complete it full-time over 2 years – all while raising a family and assisting with the management of our family sheep and cropping farm (crazy, I know!)
Eager to apply my learnings in practice upon completion of my degree, I quickly learnt that Play Therapy services were not readily available in South Australia (this was back in 2018). My solution? To start my own clinic, and, Play Therapy SA was born.
What is Play Therapy?
If you have not come across the wonders of play therapy, it is a highly researched, therapeutic approach designed specifically for children. Recognising that children express themselves best through play, this therapy uses the power of play to help children communicate their thoughts and feelings that might otherwise be difficult to articulate. It’s a safe, secure, and understanding environment where children can play out their feelings and problems, just as adults might ‘talk out’ their issues.
As parents, witnessing your child struggle with emotional and trauma-related issues can be absolutely heart-wrenching. While adults may use counselling to help guide us through difficulties, children can struggle with talk-based methods while their cognitive abilities and verbal skills are developing. Some children just simply find it difficult to articulate their feelings and experiences.
This is where Play Therapy comes into play. We believe in the transformative power of play to help children heal, grow, and thrive. This guide aims to demystify play therapy, providing parents with a clear understanding of what it is, how it works, and its numerous benefits.
How does Play Therapy work?
In Play Therapy, we provide children with a playroom – a safe and nurturing space equipped with a variety of toys and creative materials. The playroom is more than just a room; it’s a sanctuary where children can freely express themselves through play. Trained therapists observe and sometimes participate in the child’s play, using specific play therapy techniques to understand the child’s world.
The beauty of Play Therapy lies in its subtlety. Children often don’t even realise they are in therapy. Instead, they see a place where they can be themselves without judgement, which allows them to explore, express, and process their emotions naturally.
What are the benefits of Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma, face emotional challenges, or struggle with behavioural issues. Some of the key benefits include enhanced emotional expression, improved behaviour, trauma healing, development of coping skills, and increased self-esteem.
Who can benefit from Play Therapy?
Play Therapy is versatile and beneficial for children aged 2.5 to 10 years, dealing with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to trauma and loss, anxiety and depression, behavioural problems, autism and neurodivergent conditions, family disruptions like divorce, and social and emotional difficulties.
Renae, driven with a mission to introduce the wonders of Play Therapy far and wide and positively impact as many children as possible, is currently sourcing funding for a Regional & Rural Program and has founded Play Therapy Foundation, a charity that provides free Play Therapy for families across Australia.
For more information on Play Therapy SA, visit: www.playtherapysa.com.au
