Play Therapy
What is Play Therapy
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Play therapy is a form of therapy used primarily for children. That’s because children may not be able to process their own emotions or articulate problems to parents or other adults.
While it may look like an ordinary playtime, play therapy can be much more than that.
A trained therapist can use playtime to observe and gain insights into a child’s problems. The therapist can then help the child explore emotions and deal with unresolved trauma. Through play, children can learn new coping mechanisms and how to redirect inappropriate behaviors.
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Benefits of Play Therapy
​There are many benefits to play therapy including emotion regulation, problem-solving skills, developing social skills, communication, alleviation of mental health disorders and so much more.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For individuals with PTSD, memories, images, sounds, smells, and emotions related to the traumatic event can unexpectedly surface, disrupting their daily lives. They may struggle to stay present, as distressing memories frequently intrude, often leading to overwhelming emotions such as fear, guilt, or anger. It is characterized by three main categories of symptoms:
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Intrusive Symptoms: Unwanted distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic experience.
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Avoidance Symptoms: Efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma, including places, people, or thoughts that trigger distressing emotions.
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Arousal Symptoms: Increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance, and a heightened startle response.​
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1. Intrusive Symptoms
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Unwanted Memories: Recurring, distressing thoughts or images of the trauma.
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Nightmares: Vivid dreams related to the event, often causing sleep disturbances.
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Flashbacks: Feeling as if the traumatic event is happening again.
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Emotional Distress: Intense fear, guilt, or sadness triggered by reminders.
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Physical Reactions: Sweating, rapid heartbeat, and muscle tension when exposed to triggers.
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2. Avoidance Symptoms
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Avoiding Triggers: Staying away from places, people, or situations that bring back memories of the trauma.
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Suppressing Thoughts: Trying to block out or ignore distressing memories and feelings.
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Emotional Numbing: Feeling detached from others and avoiding emotional connections.
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Loss of Interest: Withdrawing from activities once enjoyed.
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Difficulty Talking About the Trauma: Avoiding conversations or reminders related to the event.
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3. Arousal Symptoms
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Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge or overly alert to potential threats.
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Exaggerated Startle Response: Feeling easily startled by sudden noises or movements.
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Irritability and Anger: Experiencing frequent mood swings, frustration, or outbursts.
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Difficulty Sleeping: Trouble falling or staying asleep due to restlessness or nightmares.
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Concentration Issues: Struggling to focus or stay attentive in daily tasks.