What I Learned About Play Therapy

5. Reflection on my thoughts and feelings through the process
Because I have an extensive experience of working with children (I used to babysit kids from 10 months to 10 years for a couple of years), playing with a child was not a new experience to me. I enjoyed engaging Sahak in a conversation and just be with him through the process. What was different this time, that I had to keep in mind some techniques, be aware of not asking to many questions, not to label things and apply basic counseling skills. Sometimes I found it a bit challenging, and camera made me feel a little uncomfortable. I was lucky that Sahak did not notice the camera, and only his mother and I were aware that the play was recorded. I think it allowed him to express himself freely and do not sensor the information or his behavior.
6. Reflection of what I learned about play therapy …show more content…
They can experiment with playdoh by molding, squishing it, kneading, rolling or even pounding. It is essential for the therapist to utilize active listening skills, and facilitate learning experience by talking to a child, tracking his actions, paraphrasing his statements and reflecting on feelings. Through these techniques, as well as returning responsibility through the story without imposing meaning, a therapist communicates that the child is heard and understood. Furthermore, if a helper is invited to take part in a play, the involvement can result in encouraging a child to think about play in different ways and be more