Play - The Universal Language

If you watch the news, the Discovery Channel, or your own neighborhood, you will see children at play. The urge to play is innate and is the means of expression for children around the globe.

When we think of counseling, an image of sitting and verbally sharing our thoughts and feelings comes to mind. “However, children are not miniature adults. They differ from adults psychologically and cognitively, and their ability to communicate is uniquely different from that of adults. Developmentally, children do not think in abstract forms, and lack the cognitive, verbal facility to express what they feel” (Gary L. Landreth. “Play Therapy in the Next Generation,” Christian Counseling Today, 2004 Vol. 12 No. 2, p. 40). Research has confirmed that it is not until approximately age 11 that children are able to fully engage in abstract reasoning or thinking.

Like adults, children struggle with difficulties and tragedy. It may be as severe as abuse or an accident; it may be related to illness or grief; it may be connected to school struggles or self-concept problems. So how does a therapist help someone for whom words are not yet their primary language? They provide a safe setting for expression using toys and play. They then watch to hear what the child cannot communicate verbally about their struggles. To learn more about play therapy, visit www.centerforplaytherapy.com.

At Associates in Christian Counseling, play therapy for children is one of the many services we offer. For more information, please call 336-896-0065.