What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a therapeutic technique used with
children ages 3 - 11.  Free play interaction is the child's
vocabulary, and is a limitless language of self-expression.  
There are no specific rules in play as there are in verbal
communication, and thus, allows the child to feel safe
doing what they do best...PLAY!!

The pace of the therapy is controlled by the child and allows the child to
expand the expression of self.  Play therapy provides healing form hurts
and trauma, and breaks down tension.  Play therapy is conducted in a safe
environment, which allows the child to express a variety of emotions.  Play
therapy assists the child in learning to cope with anxieties and conflicts
through their natural pastime of play.

The Creative Therapy Center utilizes Dr. Byron Norton's model of
Experiential Play Therapy and Garry Landreth's Child-Centered model of
play therapy.  Both models are non-directive and work effectively with
children.  

Directive Play Therapy...

The Creative Therapy Center in Elk River specializes in Directive Play
Therapy and counseling services for children who are diagnosed with:

Developmental and Cognitive Delays
Autism
Asperger's Syndrome
PDD

Directive Play Therapy can assist the child in:

Learning social skills
Managing anger
Expressing emotions
Identifying facial expressions
Increasing conversation skills
Understanding personal boundaries  and space
Developing empathy

**Parents are invited and
strongly encouraged to participate in the Directive Play Therapy process.


The Creative Therapy Center's Playroom...

The Creative Therapy Center offers the client a playroom with endless
opportunities.  From dressing up to playing with clay, the child has the
ability to freely make choices regarding their therapy sessions.  The
Creative Therapy Center offers:

Sand Tray Play - an outstanding assortment of sand tray miniatures
specifically for small hands.
Art Play - from Play-doh to Crayons there is an endless amount of
possibilities for creative little minds.
Dress Up -  to be a elephant or a police officer...the choice is their's!!
Puppets - from people to monsters...the possibilities are endless!
And much, much more!!!

Play Therapy