Intervening Early: Using a Child's Natural Language of Play to Heal Trauma
Tracks
Online Only
| Tuesday, March 21, 2023 |
| 2:05 PM - 2:25 PM |
Overview
Lily Gruenewald, Be Centre
Speaker
Lily Gruenewald
Play Therapist
Be Centre
Intervening Early: Using a Child's Natural Language of Play to Heal Trauma
Abstract
Play is one of the most important needs children have. It’s intrinsically motivated and impacts many aspects of growth and development.
Child-centred Play Therapy is an evidence based therapeutic approach that helps children process complicated emotions through their natural medium of communication, which is play; toys are seen as the child's words and play as their language.
Be Centre is one of Australia’s leading play therapy organisations and has developed programs such as the
1-to-1 ‘Hear Me Play’ program that gives at-risk children the
opportunity to express themselves through the medium of play. Be Centre seeks to contribute to developing the play therapy evidence base and champion its role in early intervention and prevention.
Play therapy has a positive effect on the behavioural and social-emotional competencies of children. This includes positive effects on behavioural problems, internalising and externalising behaviours, social adjustment, anxiety and fear, development, self-efficacy and self-concept.
The positive effect of play therapy on behavioural and social-emotional competencies can be observed in both normal functioning children and children with specific
presenting issues such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behaviours.
Play therapy has a positive effect on academic performance, especially in the areas of reading, mathematics and spoken language. Play therapy has a positive effect on children’s relationships with both their peers and family members.
Children whose parents and/or carers are involved in their play therapy journey exhibit greater benefits. The age, gender, cultural background and presenting issues of a child are unlikely to alter its efficacy. Evidence exists to suggest that play can help to prevent the onset of health and well-being consequences associated with adverse childhood experiences. The childhood benefits of play therapy may help to prevent individuals from exhibiting anti-social behaviour, criminal behaviour and severe mental health
issues in later life.
Child-centred Play Therapy is an evidence based therapeutic approach that helps children process complicated emotions through their natural medium of communication, which is play; toys are seen as the child's words and play as their language.
Be Centre is one of Australia’s leading play therapy organisations and has developed programs such as the
1-to-1 ‘Hear Me Play’ program that gives at-risk children the
opportunity to express themselves through the medium of play. Be Centre seeks to contribute to developing the play therapy evidence base and champion its role in early intervention and prevention.
Play therapy has a positive effect on the behavioural and social-emotional competencies of children. This includes positive effects on behavioural problems, internalising and externalising behaviours, social adjustment, anxiety and fear, development, self-efficacy and self-concept.
The positive effect of play therapy on behavioural and social-emotional competencies can be observed in both normal functioning children and children with specific
presenting issues such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behaviours.
Play therapy has a positive effect on academic performance, especially in the areas of reading, mathematics and spoken language. Play therapy has a positive effect on children’s relationships with both their peers and family members.
Children whose parents and/or carers are involved in their play therapy journey exhibit greater benefits. The age, gender, cultural background and presenting issues of a child are unlikely to alter its efficacy. Evidence exists to suggest that play can help to prevent the onset of health and well-being consequences associated with adverse childhood experiences. The childhood benefits of play therapy may help to prevent individuals from exhibiting anti-social behaviour, criminal behaviour and severe mental health
issues in later life.
Biography
A Play Therapist currently working at Be Centre. I have a commitment to using play and creativity as an early intervention strategy. Using an integrative holistic model, I create a therapeutic space that is safe, warm and nurturing. I work closely with clients, their families and key professionals to provide a treatment plan which reflects the complex needs of each child and enables them to find their unique voice.
