Play Therapy in DUbai
Foster a Supportive Environment with Play Therapy in Dubai
Children naturally use play to express themselves. This concept is the foundation of a branch of therapy called play therapy. Play therapy in Dubai uses the theories of Anna Freud and Margaret Lowenfeld to achieve a therapeutic approach that allows children to express and process their feelings and thoughts.
Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy primarily used for children. However, adults can also benefit. In Dubai, Zita Chriszto is a licensed psychologist, who offers play therapy to help her young clients work through their emotional and mental issues. As a DHA-licensed practitioner with years of experience, Zita emphasizes having a safe and supportive environment for children to fully address their concerns.
Conditions Treated with Play Therapy
Play therapy is useful for people who encounter difficulties in communicating or expressing themselves positively. For example, children who went through trauma or stressful situations may not want to talk about their experience. Play therapy can be a less intimidating method of expression.
Those with behavioral disorders or learning disabilities can also benefit from play therapy. There is research that shows that play therapy is effective for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders.
Procedure Details
The initial sessions of play therapy involve learning more about the child’s situation. Usually, the therapist involves the parents or the caregiver and has a conversation with them to get a background on the issues that need to be addressed. The therapist also speaks with the child separately.
The child is allowed to play on their own while the therapist observes. Children can choose the toys and games they want. The therapist will only join in or interrupt when it is appropriate.
In some cases, parents join in. The therapist observes the child during this time to see how they interact. Some of the things that the therapist looks out for are the state of the relationship and the child’s attachment.
Sessions usually happen weekly and last about 45 minutes each. As play therapy progresses, the child learns to trust the experience and the therapist.
Key Points about our Play Therapy in Dubai
- Therapeutic Power of Play: Recognizes play as a vital tool for communication, learning, and emotional processing.
- Child-Centered Approach: Positions the child as the lead in their healing journey, with the therapist acting as a facilitative presence.
- Emotional and Psychological Safety: Provides a secure and empathetic environment conducive to exploration and expression.
- Creative Expression and Exploration: Encourages the use of play to navigate and make sense of complex emotions and experiences.
- Developmental Support: Aids in fostering healthy psychological growth and interpersonal skills through play.
- Adaptive Coping Mechanisms: Facilitates the development of more effective coping strategies to manage life's challenges.
Goals of Play Therapy
The goal of play therapy is always personal. Whether it is to address interpersonal skills or the need for emotional healing, therapists create a personalized program for their client’s concerns. However, play therapy does follow certain frameworks. Its main purpose is to use play to help clients express themselves in ways they normally would not. This process allows them to achieve the growth and change they need.
Therapeutic Techniques Used in Play Therapy
There are typically two forms of play therapy. The first is directive play. With this, the therapist leads the child while playing to encourage them to be more expressive. For example, the therapist will give specific instructions and supervise the child while they are engaged in play. On the other hand, non-directive play therapy is less controlled. The child picks the activities they want and experience limited interruption from the therapist.
As the child becomes more comfortable attending the sessions, play activities that target specific issues will be introduced. Some examples of techniques used by therapists are building blocks, dolls, puppets, and board games.
Therapist’s Role in Play Therapy
The therapist’s main role is to ensure that the child feels safe and supported during the sessions. They observe, guide, and sometimes participate during playtime. Play therapy follows a therapeutic framework. It falls upon the therapist to ensure that the kind of play the client does supports psychological growth.
Client’s Role in Play Therapy
The client generally plays with few instructions and interruptions. They take ownership of expressing themselves during play. This type of therapy often involves children, so the parents also have an impact on the outcomes of the sessions. Parents should be supportive of the process and respect the therapeutic alliance between the child and the therapist. Clients should also be patient because play therapy does not always produce immediate changes.
Benefits and Challenges of Play Therapy in Dubai
Play therapy gives children, and sometimes adults, the opportunity to communicate. Toys provide a comforting and less intimidating framework compared to other types of psychotherapy. Not everyone can express themselves easily. For example, a child who cannot talk about an experience may be able to demonstrate it using puppets.
In addition, clients go at their own pace. They generally choose the toys they want to play with and use them without interruptions. This makes play therapy a long-term investment because clients can build their communication skills over time without feeling pressured.
However, play therapy has its limitations. The more significant is that it is dependent on the therapist’s skills. They observe the child and find the most productive methods for the therapy to work. Thus, the expertise and training of the therapist is essential to get successful results.
In Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is a regulatory body that issues licenses to health facilities and professionals. Certification proves legitimacy. In seeking a play therapist in the city, it is necessary to look for a therapist who complies with the training and affiliations necessary to practice play therapy.
Effectiveness and Research on Play Therapy
In a study published in the Journal of Global Health Science, Ahdieh Chinekesh et al. observed the effects of play therapy on the emotional and communication skills of 372 preschool children. The researchers found that in addition to these skills, the children’s socio-emotional and problem-solving skills also improved.
There is also research indicating play therapy is effective in addressing existing issues such as aggressive behaviors. A study in 2009 showed that children with a history of aggression improved with play therapy, compared to those who did not receive the intervention. The results of this study by Ray, D. C., Blanco, P. J., Sullivan, J. M., & Holliman, R. were published in the International Journal of Play Therapy.
It should be noted that experts have stated that more research into play therapy may be needed.
When to Seek Play Therapy in Dubai
Children who find it difficult to manage their emotions or have socialization issues can benefit from play therapy. Like in other highly developed areas, children in Dubai may experience pressure to be competitive academically and socially. These can be stressors that can place a mental strain on a child.
If your child has behavioral problems or intense emotional reactions, they may need professional assistance. Parents should watch out for sudden changes in mood or unusual behaviors such as temper tantrums or struggling to accomplish tasks. In these cases, seek assistance from the primary care physician or a child psychologist.
Conclusion
Play is a natural outlet for children. They can express themselves with or without words. Because of this, play therapy has branched out to help struggling individuals solve their problems in a non-threatening, creative way.
This type of therapy is typically used for children aged 3 to 11. However, it can also be helpful to other age groups, including adults. With play therapy, the client is given the opportunity to play with toys like blocks, dolls, or board games so they can spontaneously express themselves. A trained therapist observes and may ask questions to coax out the client’s worries or concerns.
The therapist plays a crucial role in play therapy. They observe the child’s choices and style of play. Ideally, the outcome of the therapy results in a child who is able to find more appropriate ways to express themselves and learn to cope with their problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Play Therapy
Is the family involved in play therapy?
Yes, they are. In fact, families play an essential role in the therapy process. The therapist can involve members of the family in the sessions. The therapist also communicates with the parents or guardians of the child to develop a plan to resolve issues and monitor the client’s progress.
Is play therapy only for children?
Play therapy is generally used for children aged 3 to 12. However, teenagers and adults can also benefit from the play techniques used in this type of therapy. Play therapy can be used by itself or in conjunction with other types of interventions.
How does play therapy work?
During play therapy, the therapist carefully chooses a selection of toys so the client can have the tools necessary to communicate. Children often do not have the verbal skills to directly describe their thoughts and feelings. In this case, play therapy is a developmentally appropriate framework for communication.
How long does it take before play therapy works?
Play therapy does not have a definite time frame. It depends on the child and the nature of the issues that need to be addressed. Generally, sessions last a little less than an hour and are held weekly. Treatment usually takes 20 play therapy sessions. The therapist helps assess the frequency and duration of the sessions as therapy progresses.
How can I help my child be successful at play therapy?
Parents or guardians can support the child by honoring the process. Therapy for children often progresses less slowly than adults. Encourage the child to keep on attending the sessions without focusing on improvements. This may put pressure on the child. Finally, sessions can be triggering for children because they process their feelings as they work through their issues. Give them space and help them decompress after the sessions.
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Phone: +971 58 566 9327
E-Mail: info@dubaipsychology.ae
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Doctor Reuter Medical Center
Villa 585b, Jumeirah St
Umm Suqeim 1
Dubai, UAE
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