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Have you ever watched your child get so immersed in their own little universe that they forget the world around them? Whether they’re orchestrating an elaborate rescue mission with toy soldiers or building a castle out of couch cushions, play is far more than just entertainment—it’s how children make sense of their emotions and experiences.
At North End Wellness Counseling in Boise, Idaho, we recognize the incredible role that play has in a child’s emotional and mental well-being. Inspired by Virginia Axline’s timeless book Dibs in Search of Self, we’re diving into the world of play therapy—how it works, why it’s effective, and how you, as a parent, can bring its principles into your child’s daily life. The Story of Dibs: How Play Therapy Changed a Life
In Dibs in Search of Self, we meet a young boy named Dibs who rarely speaks, struggles socially, and seems emotionally closed off. His parents and teachers don’t know how to reach him, and many assume he has severe developmental delays.
But when Dibs begins play therapy, something remarkable happens. Instead of being pressured to talk, he’s given a safe space to express himself through play. Over time, he begins to reveal his thoughts, feelings, and inner struggles through toys and storytelling. The transformation is profound.
If you’ve ever seen your child struggle with emotions they can’t quite explain, withdraw from social situations, or feel overwhelmed, play therapy could be the key to helping them open up in a way that feels safe and natural. How Play Therapy Supports Emotional Growth
Virginia Axline’s approach to play therapy is rooted in unconditional acceptance and trust. Instead of telling a child how to feel, therapists allow them to explore their emotions through play at their own pace. This approach helps children process their experiences and build emotional resilience.
Here’s a closer look at a few key principles and how you can integrate them at home:
1. Creating a Judgment-Free Play Space
One of the foundations of play therapy is allowing children to express themselves freely, without fear of correction or disapproval.
How to Apply This at Home: 2. Reflecting Emotions Instead of Fixing Them
A core technique in play therapy is empathetic reflection, where therapists acknowledge and validate a child’s emotions without trying to change or minimize them.
How to Apply This at Home: Decoding a Child’s Play: Understanding Symbolic Expression
Children often use toys and games as stand-ins for their emotions. In play therapy, this is called symbolic play, where everyday objects or storylines become a child’s way of communicating what they may not be able to put into words.
Signs of Symbolic Play at Home: Letting Your Child Take the Lead
One of the most important aspects of play therapy is allowing children to explore their emotions at their own pace. Instead of pushing them to talk or move through emotions quickly, therapists—and parents—can create an environment where they feel safe to express what they need.
How to Apply This at Home: Bringing Play Therapy into Everyday Life
You don’t have to be a trained therapist to use play therapy techniques at home. A few simple shifts in how you approach your child’s playtime can create a powerful space for emotional growth.
1. Offer Open-Ended Toys
2. Engage Without Directing
3. Validate Their Feelings Through Play Final Thoughts: A Safe Space for Growth
Play therapy isn’t just a counseling technique—it’s a way of connecting with your child. By allowing them to explore their emotions through play, we can create a safe, supportive environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
At North End Wellness Counseling in Boise, Idaho, we believe in the power of play as a healing and self-discovery tool. Whether your child is facing anxiety, social challenges, or simply needs an outlet for their emotions, play therapy can provide a space where they feel empowered to express themselves.
If you’re curious about how play therapy can support your child, our experienced therapists are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our child counseling services—and in the meantime, grab some toys, get on the floor, and let your child take the lead in their world of imagination.
At North End Wellness Counseling in Boise, Idaho, we recognize the incredible role that play has in a child’s emotional and mental well-being. Inspired by Virginia Axline’s timeless book Dibs in Search of Self, we’re diving into the world of play therapy—how it works, why it’s effective, and how you, as a parent, can bring its principles into your child’s daily life.
In Dibs in Search of Self, we meet a young boy named Dibs who rarely speaks, struggles socially, and seems emotionally closed off. His parents and teachers don’t know how to reach him, and many assume he has severe developmental delays.
But when Dibs begins play therapy, something remarkable happens. Instead of being pressured to talk, he’s given a safe space to express himself through play. Over time, he begins to reveal his thoughts, feelings, and inner struggles through toys and storytelling. The transformation is profound.
If you’ve ever seen your child struggle with emotions they can’t quite explain, withdraw from social situations, or feel overwhelmed, play therapy could be the key to helping them open up in a way that feels safe and natural.
Virginia Axline’s approach to play therapy is rooted in unconditional acceptance and trust. Instead of telling a child how to feel, therapists allow them to explore their emotions through play at their own pace. This approach helps children process their experiences and build emotional resilience.
Here’s a closer look at a few key principles and how you can integrate them at home:
1. Creating a Judgment-Free Play Space
One of the foundations of play therapy is allowing children to express themselves freely, without fear of correction or disapproval.
How to Apply This at Home:
- Let your child’s imagination lead the way. If they build a chaotic Lego structure, instead of saying, “That doesn’t look like a house,” try, “Wow, you put so much thought into that! What’s happening in your creation?”
- Provide a variety of open-ended toys—blocks, dolls, puppets, art supplies—that let them direct the play experience.
A core technique in play therapy is empathetic reflection, where therapists acknowledge and validate a child’s emotions without trying to change or minimize them.
How to Apply This at Home:
- If your child says, “I can’t do this! It’s too hard!” instead of replying, “Sure you can, just try again,” say, “That sounds really frustrating. It’s okay to feel that way. What do you think would help?”
- By mirroring their emotions, you help them feel heard and understood, making it easier for them to process feelings in a healthy way.
Children often use toys and games as stand-ins for their emotions. In play therapy, this is called symbolic play, where everyday objects or storylines become a child’s way of communicating what they may not be able to put into words.
Signs of Symbolic Play at Home:
- If your child’s stuffed animal always seems “sad” or hides, they might be expressing feelings of loneliness or insecurity.
- If they constantly create a superhero that never loses, they might be working through self-confidence struggles.
- Instead of questioning their choices (“Why is your toy always sad?”), engage with curiosity: “Your bear seems to be feeling quiet today. What’s on his mind?” This gives your child the space to open up at their own comfort level.
One of the most important aspects of play therapy is allowing children to explore their emotions at their own pace. Instead of pushing them to talk or move through emotions quickly, therapists—and parents—can create an environment where they feel safe to express what they need.
How to Apply This at Home:
- Offer choices instead of forcing an activity. For example, “Do you want to play with your blocks now, or would you rather do something else first?” Giving them control can reduce anxiety and resistance.
- If they’re upset, avoid trying to distract them immediately. Let them process their feelings through play and provide support when they’re ready.
You don’t have to be a trained therapist to use play therapy techniques at home. A few simple shifts in how you approach your child’s playtime can create a powerful space for emotional growth.
1. Offer Open-Ended Toys
- Choose toys that allow for creativity and self-expression—like puppets, art materials, or building blocks.
- Avoid electronics or toys with rigid rules. The goal is to let your child lead the play.
2. Engage Without Directing
- Follow your child’s lead during playtime. If they want to pretend their toy car is flying, resist the urge to correct them. Instead, ask, “Where is it headed?” to encourage conversation.
3. Validate Their Feelings Through Play
- If your child is acting out an emotional scenario with their dolls or action figures, instead of redirecting, say, “Wow, they seem really mad! What happened?” This helps your child work through their feelings in a safe and natural way.
Play therapy isn’t just a counseling technique—it’s a way of connecting with your child. By allowing them to explore their emotions through play, we can create a safe, supportive environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
At North End Wellness Counseling in Boise, Idaho, we believe in the power of play as a healing and self-discovery tool. Whether your child is facing anxiety, social challenges, or simply needs an outlet for their emotions, play therapy can provide a space where they feel empowered to express themselves.
If you’re curious about how play therapy can support your child, our experienced therapists are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our child counseling services—and in the meantime, grab some toys, get on the floor, and let your child take the lead in their world of imagination.