For a lot of people - particularly children and teens - verbalizing internal struggles can be difficult. Today's world comes with more pressures and concern for young people than ever before, so it is important to find a way for them to express the things that are bothering them so that they can get the help they need. Some innovative therapists are using sand tray therapy as a means of providing clients such an outlet.
The name of this therapeutic approach is pretty self descriptive. It employs the use of a sandbox, miniature figurines, and in some circumstances, water might also be included. The individual uses these items in order to create settings and scenes from the world inside their mind as a means to reflect and express their thoughts, feelings, struggles, and concerns.
The fact that children have a natural inclination towards play is the base idea for this therapeutic approach. When left to explore their own thoughts in a safe and interactive environment without adult interference or guidance, a child might inadvertently reveal a great deal about what concerns them. The absence of threat or pressure helps to relax the client so they are comfortable enough to be open.
Therapist believe that when given the freedom to express themselves, most children are capable of working through many of their issues on their own and begin a self-healing process. At the right moment, the therapist might choose to try and initiate a conversation with the child for further explanation as to what is happening in their scenes. Things that they cannot express with words, may be easier to demonstrate with the figurines.
Younger children who are not yet verbally efficient or mature enough to fully express their feelings are prime candidates for this approach. Playing is something every child understands without instruction, and therapist who observe them in this activity have often been able to learn quite a bit about the child. Play time is quite frequently used as a child's method of acting out real life scenarios.
It is frequently used when treating certain autistic children of all ages as well. These individuals process sensory input in a different way and many of them are not able to verbalize very well, if at all. Their demonstrations through play can be an effective means of communication with their therapist, who can utilize other methods to get more in-depth information at a different time.
Because the idea is to allow the child to process their own situation and seek for a solution on their own, the therapist will not lead them into a scenario. Treatment could simply be a single session, it may last several weeks, or even years, depending on the client and their particular situation. The main thing is observation and patience.
Although playing in the sandbox may not seem like a traditional approach to helping a child cope with something that is bothering them, it has shown great promise and effectiveness, especially for those who are verbally challenged. It is a simple concept with a passive nature that promotes safety and comfort. Each therapist may make adjustments as dictated by the individual situation.
The name of this therapeutic approach is pretty self descriptive. It employs the use of a sandbox, miniature figurines, and in some circumstances, water might also be included. The individual uses these items in order to create settings and scenes from the world inside their mind as a means to reflect and express their thoughts, feelings, struggles, and concerns.
The fact that children have a natural inclination towards play is the base idea for this therapeutic approach. When left to explore their own thoughts in a safe and interactive environment without adult interference or guidance, a child might inadvertently reveal a great deal about what concerns them. The absence of threat or pressure helps to relax the client so they are comfortable enough to be open.
Therapist believe that when given the freedom to express themselves, most children are capable of working through many of their issues on their own and begin a self-healing process. At the right moment, the therapist might choose to try and initiate a conversation with the child for further explanation as to what is happening in their scenes. Things that they cannot express with words, may be easier to demonstrate with the figurines.
Younger children who are not yet verbally efficient or mature enough to fully express their feelings are prime candidates for this approach. Playing is something every child understands without instruction, and therapist who observe them in this activity have often been able to learn quite a bit about the child. Play time is quite frequently used as a child's method of acting out real life scenarios.
It is frequently used when treating certain autistic children of all ages as well. These individuals process sensory input in a different way and many of them are not able to verbalize very well, if at all. Their demonstrations through play can be an effective means of communication with their therapist, who can utilize other methods to get more in-depth information at a different time.
Because the idea is to allow the child to process their own situation and seek for a solution on their own, the therapist will not lead them into a scenario. Treatment could simply be a single session, it may last several weeks, or even years, depending on the client and their particular situation. The main thing is observation and patience.
Although playing in the sandbox may not seem like a traditional approach to helping a child cope with something that is bothering them, it has shown great promise and effectiveness, especially for those who are verbally challenged. It is a simple concept with a passive nature that promotes safety and comfort. Each therapist may make adjustments as dictated by the individual situation.
About the Author:
You can find a summary of the benefits you get when you use sand tray therapy services at http://www.juliecast.net/Aboutme.html right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment