Play Therapy Techniques: More Toys One Can Use Dianna Sawyers, MSW, LCSW

Today’s Learning Objectives Learn the role of toys in the play space Discuss the various uses of these identified toys in aiding children in growth Understand the theoretical placement and value of selected toys in play therapy

Toys to be Discussed Ball Art Supplies Chalkboard/Whiteboard Sand Board Games Puppets

Ball Sensory Play Solo play, parallel play, play with therapist Emotional Expression, particularly aggression Directive activities Theory application

Art Supplies What you need How to use them Directive Activities Limit Setting Collecting Art Work

Chalkboard/Whiteboard Therapeutic Application Value of Erasing Relationship

Sand Sensory play Alternative play space for toys/scene enacting Safe, natural venue for limit testing Provides emotional distance

Game Play The Classics-CandyLand, Uno, Checkers Game Play with a therapeutic purpose Who wins?? Game Play with older children, adolescents, and even adults Cheating, rule breaking, and quitting

Puppets Cognitive Behavioral Theory Directive Interventions Emotional Distance and Control Types of interactions and session Child Only Child and Therapist Family Group

You, the therapist How your play room and toys defines you Play becoming your identity, at least in part How play changes you!