Plato said “you can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Many years later, in 1903, Friedrich Fröbel, who developed the concept of the kindergarten, observed “play is the highest development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in the child’s soul ... children’s play is not mere sport. It is full of meaning.”

While some parents have it easy, others have bigger challenges than they know how to deal with. Without any formal training in this area, it can be difficult for parents to deal skilfully with their child when challenges arise, especially when their child is not yet able to express themself through words and parents are unable to mind read.

“You can watch as many DVDs and read as many books as you can about how to support your child when they have an issue,” says Sonja Walker, Director of Kids First Children Services, “but having a professional who’s not emotionally engaged can be hugely beneficial for families. Kids don’t learn by osmosis just by us throwing them into the play ground with the other kids – some children need more attention and support.”

What is play therapy?

One of the ways in which therapists continue to support children and their families through challenges is through play therapy. Play therapy is used for children as young as nine months up to 11 years old. It works in much the same way as counselling or psychotherapy does for adults, but instead of the child sitting down and talking through their problems, they play their problems out.

“Therapy’s about having fun as well and if a child isn’t having fun then it’s hard to get them to enjoy the process,” says Ros Osling, speech pathologist. So when children have difficulty expressing their experiences and emotions in words, play therapy is a medium for them to do this. Through play they can also explore relationships, develop social skills and express their desires. In some approaches rewards may also be given to encourage them further in being part of a process that might otherwise seem boring.

By observing a child play, play therapists are often able to determine possible causes for the child’s disturbed behaviour. The objects they choose and the patterns of play, as well as the child’s willingness to interact with the therapist, can be used to understand the underlying reasons for how they behave both inside and outside the sessions.

For three-year-old Malie, who was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), therapy started at the age of 16 months. Her mum, Fiona Chadwick, says, “She has come ahead in leaps and bounds since having therapy. Twelve months ago she wouldn’t have looked at anyone she didn’t know. She wouldn’t have engaged in play with her parents or anyone else. She just wanted to sit and do her own thing and was in her own world. Malie wasn’t even interested in playing with her twin sister. Now they play together, they share, they take turns doing things. Malie loves to play all the time now. She’s just a happy, joyful little girl.”

Through play therapy, children can be supported as they tackle various challenges, including adjusting to separation and divorce, making friends, dealing with excessive anger, fear, sadness, worry and shyness, school difficulties, abuse and neglect, adjusting socially, sleeping and eating difficulties, dealing with grief and loss as well as ASD, to name a few.

Studies show that one in 160 Australians have ASD, the effects of which can be minimised by early diagnosis and with the right interventions, including play therapy. “Through play therapy you’re going to the kid’s level,” says Fiona, “to what interests them as opposed to trying to bring them into your world. It teaches them to relate to other people ... and to do that through fun and through games is really fantastic.”