Play is the child’s language and toys are the child’s words!

Do you have concerns about your child’s social, emotional, or behavioral well-being?  Do you get stuck with your child’s tantrums? Does your child have difficulty managing their emotions? Do you feel overwhelmed and not know what to do?  Do you wonder if your child’s actions are developmentally appropriate?

If so, Play Therapy could be what you and your child need! Play Therapy can address a number of concerns recognized by parents, teachers, pediatricians, and other providers in your child’s life.

Child Centered Play Therapy is the evidence-based, preferred method of treatment for children ages 3-10 (although it can be adapted for children up to age 12). This style of therapy is appropriate for young children, as play is the child’s language, and toys are the child’s words. Play therapy is different from regular play in that the therapist assists children in addressing and resolving their own problems. Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, develop self-responsibility, maintain self-acceptance, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development. Play is a fun, enjoyable activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. It expands self-expression, self-knowledge, self-actualization, and self-efficacy. Some techniques used in play therapy include puppets, expressive arts, anger release toys, sand tray, bibliotherapy, dollhouse, and mask making.

Play therapy helps children to:

• Develop better impulse control.
• Develop new and creative solutions to problems.
• Develop respect and acceptance of self and others.
• Learn to experience and express emotion.
• Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others.
• Learn new social skills.

For more information, visit the Association for Play Therapy at http://www.a4pt.org/

For older children, preadolescents/adolescents, and adults who prefer traditional talk therapy, individual therapy services are also offered. Adolescents today are faced with many issues that can lead to feeling alone, confused, and overwhelmed. When an adolescent is faced with these challenges without appropriate methods of self-expression, emotional regulation, or coping skills, problematic behaviors and poor choices can occur. Sometimes teens need a safe and confidential space to process their feelings, emotions, as well as learning skills of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and coping. Zola Counseling can offer support for adolescents and teens, as well as adults up to age 25. With teens, we have a board certified art therapist who uses art therapy, person-centered therapy, cognitive constructs, elements of mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy.

Issues related to eating disorders, violent behaviors, sexual acting out, or substance abuse may need more significant intervention and referral to more specialized treatment.

A 10 week parenting group that follows the CPRT (Child Parent Relationship Training) curriculum is offered. Contact us at 980-428-6195 or rebekahtalley@zolacounseling.com to find out when the next group is being offered.

Child Parent Relationship Training helps to:

•  Recreate the relationship you always wanted with your child by strengthening the child- parent bond.
•  You will see a difference in your relationship with your child, your confidence as a parent, and your ability to respond effectively.
•  This group is designed to help parents with children ages 3-13 with goals of
  • Reducing problem behaviors utilizing limit setting and choice giving techniques
  • Enhancing parent-child relationship and reducing parental stress
  • Developing responsibility and self-control in children
  • Increasing children’s self-esteem and self- confidence
  • Increasing parents’ feelings of warmth for their children
  • Communicating more effectively with your child