Play Therapy
Play serves as a child's innate mode of self-expression, a concept pioneered by experts such as Virginia Axline, Violet Oaklander, and Garry Landreth. Rooted in primarily non-verbal methods, play therapy allows children to delve into their difficulties, hurts, and emotions through creative exploration with toys, sand, puppets, clay, art, dance, and music. Central to its effectiveness is the establishment of a secure and predictable relationship between the child and therapist, fostering an environment of safety, acceptance, and freedom for exploration and growth. Research from both the UK and US indicates that approximately 80% of children exhibit a reduction in maladaptive behaviors following play therapy sessions. With a growing evidence base, play therapy proves effective in addressing a wide array of challenges including psychosocial issues, behavioral disorders, chronic illness, trauma, abuse, ADHD, anxiety, stress, depression, grief, and loss.
Sonita's Training:
As a therapeutic play consultant, I have undergone rigorous training to meet the standards of this designation:
- Hold a Master’s degree in mental health
- Possess licensure as a mental health practitioner
- Completed specific core credit courses covering areas such as child development, personality theories, psychotherapy principles, child and adolescent psychopathology, and legal, ethical, and professional issues
- Completed 180 hours of play therapy training from a CAPT Approved Provider, including training with Lorrie Yasenik and Ken Gardner at the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute (RMPTI)
- Accumulated clinical experience working with children totaling between 2000 to 2500 hours