Melanie Rodman, MSW, LCSW, RPT-S​
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"Play is a child's natural medium for self-expression."

-Virginia Axline

What is Play Therapy?

The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as the "process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development." Children tend to express themselves through their behaviors.  Because children do not communicate their thoughts and feelings in the same ways as adults do, it is important for therapists working with children to communicate in a developmentally appropriate language: the language of play. Through play a child is able to express themselves more wholly, honestly, and openly. Play therapists are trained mental health professionals that use the medium of play to assess and treat children exhibiting a wide range of concerning behaviors.  The play therapy room is equipped with a specific range of toys and art materials that are intentionally selected for therapeutic purposes.
​Play therapy has been shown to be effective in addressing the following concerns:
  • grief and loss
  • anger management/aggression/acting out behaviors
  • trauma/abuse and neglect
  • divorce
  • anxiety and stress
  • depression
  • impulse control
  • attachment concerns
  • inattention

Benefits of Play Therapy

Play therapy has a multitude of potential benefits and research has shown effectiveness of play therapy across age, gender, race, and presenting problem. Some of the benefits you can expect children to experience in play therapy are:
  • ​self-control and self-direction
  • self-respect and self-acceptance
  • decision-making and responsibility for choices/responsibility for self
  • creativity and self-reliance in confronting problems
  • emotional expression and management of emotions
  • social skills and relational skills with family
  • empathy and respect for others

Play Therapy Resources

If you are interested in learning more about play therapy or have additional questions, please visit The Association for Play Therapy through either of the links below:
Main Site:
http://www.a4pt.org
Parents Corner 
https://a4pt.site-ym.com/page/ParentsCornerHomePag



"Enter into the children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet."
                                                                                                                                                             -Virginia Axline



Contact Melanie:


Message

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Telephone

314-329-8580

Email

rodmanlcsw@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • Therapy
  • Supervision
  • Contact