‘Toys are children’s vocabulary, and play is their language.’ Play is a natural way for children to express themselves and access their inner world. Through self-directed play, children can achieve personal fulfilment, mastery, and positive development that nurture their physical and mental health. In recent years, as more and more children use play to heal their minds and alleviate emotional difficulties, play therapy has gained increasing recognition within the education sector. Ms Natalie Ho, an experienced children's play therapist, has shared valuable insights into the various types and efficacy of play therapy.
Directive and Non-Directive Play Therapy Approaches
Play therapy is the systematic application of the therapeutic power of play by a certified play therapist to help a child prevent or resolve psychological disturbances and achieve personal growth and development, according to the Association for Play Therapy. While adult psychotherapy relies on verbal expression, children use play to convey their inner world, Ms Ho explains. There are two primary forms of play therapy: directive and non-directive (also known as child-centred play therapy). The directive approach involves the therapist setting specific goals and guiding the child towards achieving those objectives through structured play activities. Child-centred play therapy, on the other hand, is a more open-ended approach in which the child takes the lead. The therapist provides a wide variety of toys, allowing the child to express themselves in diverse ways and establish a trusting, interactive relationship with the therapist.
(Children's play therapist, Ms Natalie Ho, believed in children's intrinsic abilities and that they can face difficulties on their own.)
Understanding the Role of Toys in Play Therapy: Nurturing Children's Innate Capabilities
During play therapy sessions, the therapist introduces toys and play materials in a comfortable and secure environment (see Table 1). This form of therapy is generally employed for children aged 3 to 12, helping them overcome difficulties, disturbances, and anxiety in their lives. Each session of the therapy typically lasts 40 to 60 minutes, conducted one-on-one. The total duration of the therapy can vary from 10 to 20 sessions, depending on the child's needs, personality, and progress.
Throughout the sessions, the therapist will utilise various techniques, including describing the child's current play activities and responses, accepting the child's emotions or behaviours as they arise, understanding and responding to the child's intentions, and setting safe limits for the play format. As Ms Ho adds, ‘A core principle of play therapy is to believe in children's innate abilities and capacity to overcome difficulties independently. Although the current circumstances may not support their development, gradual guidance can inspire children to cultivate positive attitudes.’
(Table 1) Six Common Types of Toys
| Category | Content | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Nurturing Toys | Baby care items, medical kits, cooking utensils | These toys allow children to explore and understand their relationships with others by role-playing the care and nurturing of vulnerable individuals. |
| 2) Real-life Toys | Toy shops, schools, modes of transportation, etc. | These toys reflect children's lived experiences and help them make sense of their everyday life and environment. |
| 3) Ability-building Toys | Building blocks, balls, and other manipulative materials | These toys enable children to increase their sense of control and build self-confidence through problem-solving and skill development. |
| 4) Aggressive Toys | Toy guns, ferocious animals, toy swords | These toys provide a safe outlet for children to express anger and frustration, helping them cope with these emotions constructively. |
| 5) Imaginative Toys | Dress-up clothing and accessories for various occupations | These toys allow children to explore and enact their inner desires, experiences, and aspirations, broadening their understanding of different possibilities. |
| 6) Creative and Expressive Toys | Sand, watercolours, colouring pens | These toys inspire children to express their feelings and experiences through non-verbal, artistic means, facilitating emotional exploration and release. |
A Therapeutic Approach to Emotional Relief: Play as a Metaphor for Children’s Inner World
Play is a powerful metaphor that allows children to express and explore their innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences. When provided with a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, children can use play for self-healing and personal growth. Clinical observations have demonstrated the remarkable potential of play therapy in helping children navigate their emotional landscapes. For instance, Ms Ho recounts the case of a well-behaved boy who displayed disruptive tantrums at home, despite his docile demeanour at school. In the initial stages of play therapy, the boy behaved restrainedly, insisting on tidying up his toys before shifting to new ones, even when encouraged to do otherwise. Through the therapist's continued guidance and establishing mutual trust, the child was able to gradually open up and express his suppressed emotions. He had been maintaining a facade of being a ‘good boy’ to meet the expectations of others, which had led to the internalisation and eruption of his true feelings.
The Benefits of Play Therapy for Quality of Life
In recent years, the educational sector has become increasingly attuned to the importance of children's emotional well-being. Many schools have taken proactive steps to integrate play therapy into their support systems by dedicating specialised play therapy rooms or inviting play therapists to conduct informative seminars for parents. They provide parents with strategies for setting up home play corners and engaging their children in play activities that mimic the effects of play therapy. Teachers, parents and students are encouraged to adopt an open and positive attitude towards the benefits of play. By observing children's play, adults can gain valuable insights into their inner world and identify potential developmental issues. This knowledge enables adults to prescribe appropriate interventions to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Ho cites the example of a parent who reported their child's emotional problems, which led to the discovery of a developmental delay during the therapeutic process. The parent had readily accepted the assessment recommendation and adjusted the therapy approach accordingly, resulting in the child's subsequent developmental progress. When setting up a play corner and providing a variety of toys for children to choose from freely, it is crucial to respect their natural play mode. When adults are involved, they should assume the role of cooperative playmates, refraining from excessive intervention to facilitate the child's emotional expression. Providing timely support for children's physical, mental, and emotional needs helps establish a harmonious family and school environment, laying a strong foundation for their future learning and growth.
(With the help of the play therapist, play has the power of self-healing.)
(Source: Learning & Teaching Expo 2024 Newsletter)
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