Play Therapy
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach used primarily with children to help them express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play, which is their natural medium of communication.
Directive play therapy involves the therapist guiding the child towards specific therapeutic goals or interventions through structured activities or games. The therapist may use specific toys or techniques to address particular issues the child is facing, such as aggression, anxiety, or trauma.
Non-directive play therapy, on the other hand, is more child-led, allowing the child to explore and express themselves freely through play without much intervention from the therapist. The therapist provides a safe and accepting environment, along with a variety of toys and materials, for the child to engage in self-expression and self-discovery.
Both approaches are effective in helping children process emotions, develop coping skills, and resolve psychological difficulties, but the choice between directive and non-directive play therapy depends on the child's needs, preferences, and the therapist's clinical judgment.