Play Based Therapy

Extensive research clearly shows that play is the best way for children to learn and thrive. Play can improve and enhance brain development, cognitive skills, academic skills, language, imagination and creativity, communication, collaboration, emotional regulation, self- awareness, maintaining relationships, executive functioning skills, motor skills and positively impacts mental health (Yogman et al. 2018; Kuhaneck et al. 2024). 

A strong therapist-client relationship is also an essential component of effective therapy. It creates a safe environment for children take risks and to be vulnerable enough to learn. A positive relationship also means it is more likely that a child engages and actively participates.

There is no better way to promote a strong therapeutic relationship with a child than through play!

'There is no function without fun!' - Proctor 2021

Yogman, M. Garner, A. Hutchinson, J. Hirsh- Pasek, K. and Golinkoff, R.M. 2018. The power of  play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics. 142 (13). https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/3/e20182058/38649/The-Power-of-Play-A-Pediatric-Role-in-Enhancing?autologincheck=redirected

Kuhaneck, H. Bunday, A. Fabrizi, F. Lynch, H. Moore, A. Roman- Oyola, R. Stagnitti, K. and Waldman- Levi, A. 2024. Play as Occupation: The State of our Science and a Research Agenda for the Profession. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 78 (4). https://research.aota.org/ajot/article/78/4/7804185150/25212/Play-as-Occupation-The-State-of-Our-Science-and-a

Proctor, M. (Host). (2021, February 3). There’s No Function Without Fun with Dr. Amy Laurent and Dr. Jacqueline Fede (No. 18) [Audio podcast episode]. In Two Sides of the Spectrum. Learn Play Thrive, LLC. learnplaythrive.com/podcast