What is Play Based Therapy and the Benefits of Play?

Play based therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play based therapy helps children address and resolve their own challenges and builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and the world around them. By utilizing play, the natural language of children, a child can:

• Develop empathy, respect, and acceptance for self and others.

• Learn and develop impulse control, problem solving, relational, and social skills.

• Understand and process experiences.

• Express feelings through play and symbols.

• Increase responsibility for behaviors and develop more successful strategies.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced-based approach to treating a variety of mental health concerns. Through examining thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns that underlie problems, clients are able to develop more positive and productive thoughts and behavior. CBT treatment typically involves efforts to change thinking patterns by challenging negative beliefs, practicing coping skills, developing healthy self-care behaviors, and recognizing distortions in thinking that are creating distress. Clients also develop problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations and learn to develop a greater sense of confidence in their own abilities.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on teaching coping skills to reduce emotional extremes and problematic thought and behavior patterns. DBT focuses on four primary components- Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. DBT is a method for teaching skills within each component that will help clients develop more emotional equilibrium in themselves, cope with difficult emotions, and improve their relationships with others.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented therapeutic approach stemming from Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It employs a combination of acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior change strategies to increase psychological flexibility. Central to ACT is the notion that it is not possible to control difficult emotions and psychological experiences and, often, our efforts to do so create further distress. Through mindfulness and increased awareness, identifying and connecting to values, and taking committed action toward what is important in life, clients learn how to make healthy connections with thoughts, feelings, memories, and physical sensations that have been avoided. Overall, clients gain skills to better understand and accept things as they are, develop greater clarity about personal values, and make behavioral changes in order to to live a more meaningful life.

What is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the “gold standard” treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Caregivers and kids initially hear the word “exposure” and are worried that treatment could be scary but ERP allows clients to manage their fears, go at their own pace, and feel successful right from the start. The “Response Prevention” part of ERP helps clients learn to control compulsions, avoidance, and/or escape behaviors. Once clients have increased control over their compulsions, their obsessive thinking naturally comes into balance.