Play is a natural, gentle and pleasurable experience  for children. Through play, children reveal their deepest needs, wishes and worries. While adults use words to communicate,  children use play materials to express their thoughts, emotions and experiences. The play therapist interprets "the language of play," its metaphors and symbolic meaning, in order to gain deeper insight into the child's inner world. Play therapy can be a deeply healing experience for a child.

In this introductory workshop, participants learned more about this intriguing form of child therapy. They also learned how, when used appropriately, it is effective in helping children resolve problems and conflicts while improving their self esteem and self‐confidence. Program  content included explanation and history of the model of play therapy, play  therapy stages, language and strategies. A case study was used to demonstrate these concepts.

Donna Landis Brubaker, LCSW, RPT-S
Denny Whalen, RN, MS