Play Therapy for Kids in Birmingham, AL
You Want the Best for Your Child. We Can Help.
You see your child struggling and are unsure of how to help. Maybe you have tried everything and feel overwhelmed. We understand and are here to help.
Perhaps your child is having trouble regulating their emotions, expressing their needs, or acting out in a way that feels overwhelming As a parent, it can feel debilitating to feel helpless. You want the best for your child, but you may not know how to support and navigate them through these challenges. At Sharp Wellness, we pride ourselves on having a skilled group of therapists who love working with children!
What are the benefits of Play Therapy?
Play is such a crucial element in the development of children. It allows them to build upon skills such as problem-solving, self-efficacy, and confidence and learn to communicate with others and interact with the world around them. When words fail, play and creative expression thrive. For children, play is often a window to the internal workings of their world. When life in the present moment seems chaotic or challenging, we see more controlling or repetitive behaviors that allow children to seek safety and predictability in play. When our children have had adverse life experiences early in life, they will often play through their trauma or experiences in ways that feel safe for them and allow them to heal. Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist works with the child and follows their narrative to help them address and resolve their problems. Therapeutic play also builds upon the natural way children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002).
Why Might Someone Seek Play Therapy in Birmingham, AL?
There are many reasons someone might see therapy for their child. Play therapy does not look the same for everyone. Each individual or family has unique needs that require a different approach.
However, some reasons people might seek Play therapy for their Child include:
Process and work through a traumatic experience
Address anxiety or depression
Work through family conflict or divorce
Navigate grief or loss
Emotional Regulation
Develop healthy coping mechanisms
Build self-esteem and confidence
Work through family conflict or divorce
Navigate grief or loss
Our Play Therapists are Here to Help
Our therapists at Sharp Wellness have supported kids through challenges, both big and small. We also know that every child can overcome any obstacles with the right support.
What does play therapy look like?
Play therapy One common theme we often see displayed in the therapy room is the heightened need for control. At home, this could look like consistent arguing, attempts to manipulate adults or other peers, large tantrums when things don’t go their way, and so on. Your child will be allowed to exert this control in the therapy room. While this sounds counterintuitive, it gives your child the space to experience total control (with appropriate limits set for safety). In our time together, your child will learn to talk through their emotional experiences while in control while the therapist reflects their wants and needs as evidenced through their behaviors. From their experiences, children will be able to express the needs and drives that motivate their desire for control and help them find healthier ways to express those needs either verbally or through prosocial behaviors.
The connection between the mind and body is also important to note. Often, we see that when our internal experiences are overwhelming, our sensory inputs are thrown into a state of dysregulation. In your child, this can look like impulsive behaviors, trouble making decisions, pressured or quick speech, high sensitivity to sounds and physical sensations, and difficulty focusing, to name a few. Early adverse life experiences can create deficits in a child’s development, resulting in cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Part of play therapy can also focus on assisting children to feel safe in their minds and bodies again.
Your Child is Unique, and Their Therapy Should Be Too
At Sharp Wellness, we approach your child from a holistic framework. This means we take into account all of the different aspects that play a role in a person's life. This way, we can use your and your child’s strengths to help them overcome any challenges.
Begin Play Therapy for your Child In Birmingham, AL
As a parent, you are your child's number one support. You know them better than anyone. At Sharp Wellness, our team of skilled therapists want to support you and your family as you help your kiddo grow into their best selves. If you are interested in beginning Play Therapy:
Contact us at contact@sharpwellnessandcounseling.com
Call or Text 205-383-6650
Other Therapy Services at Sharp Wellness
At Sharp Wellness, our therapists understand that you and your loved ones may be experiencing various challenges. We have locations in Birmingham, AL, and Mckinney, TX, and offer a variety of therapy services to support you and your family. We offer individual counseling, couples and marriage counseling, therapy for trauma, family counseling, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, EDMR Therapy, and Group Therapy. We also offer Couples' intensives at our Mckinney, TX location.
