Play Therapy

Stress within parent-child relationship?

Does your child present any of the following signs?

• Excessive anger, worry, sadness or fear
• Agressive behaviour (hurting others or self)
• Separation anxiety
• Excessive shyness
• Low self-esteem
• School problems
• Sleep, eating or elimination problems
• Difficulty adjusting to family changes
• Physical symptoms such as: headaches, stomach aches that have no medical cause.

Traumatic experiences often leave children caught up in the middle of parental conflict. The loss of a close family member, or other crises, can result in overwhelming sadness and anger, and pose huge difficulties for children, since they are very aware and sensitive to stress within family life. Because children have less experience, fewer coping skills and less control over their environment, yet react strongly to events happening within it, they will usually show their distress in indirect ways.

Psychologist Patricia Silva works with Play Therapy to create insight and understanding by the family members into the child’s behaviour and difficult feelings, suggesting ideas to promote change to help the child get back on track with his/her life. 

Play Therapy is helpful for:

• Children who are dealing with parental conflict, separation or divorce.
• Children who have been traumatized (sexual, physical or emotional abuse).
• Children who have been adopted or are in foster care.
• Children who are dealing with issues of loss, such as illness or death of a loved one.
• Children who have been hospitalized.
• Children who have witnessed domestic violence.
• Children who have experienced serious accidents or disasters.

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  Patricia Silva, MSc

  Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents