play therapy at think.grow.connect:

Hi,

My name is Maria and I offer play-based therapy sessions at think.grow.connect. 

What is play therapy?

A child's natural language is play. In my therapy sessions, toys, games, sand, playdough and other sensory items are used to support children with connecting with their body and identifying how they're feeling. Children often don't have the words to process their emotions however, through play, they can make sense of their world and work through difficult emotions. For example, a child struggling with feelings of anxiety may create a scene in the sand tray to express how they're feeling at school. A child who has experienced family violence trauma may play out scenes using the dollhouse as a way to communicate what has happened in their world. 

A large part of my work is using co-regulation skills in sessions with my young clients. What this means is that when children become upset, angry, anxious, distressed, etc., I note the emotions present whilst modelling regulation skills (such as deep breathing or gently moving my body). This skill is often used in play therapy to support children with attuning to another person and increasing their ability to regulate their emotions in helpful ways. 

Play-based therapy sessions are always varied and can become messy (especially when sand, playdough and art/craft supplies are used). Messy play is always welcomed - it allows children another way to express their feelings, develop imagination and creativity and build confidence. 

Maria Marino,

Counsellor & Play Therapist