Sue van der Spuy - Play Therapy

Susan van der Spuy - Play Therapy

https://www.suevdspuy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/181710535242967

Children are sponges. Maria Montessori showed that during the various sensory periods it takes almost no effort for a child to learn. Play is the Language of the Child. 

Play is the natural state during childhood. High levels of children's’ engagement with Technology means that many are losing play, the essence of childhood. They are also losing the opportunity to learn the nuances and subtle aspects of human relationships. Losing close proximity to others, touch, facial expression and gestures. Relationships are pivotal and feelings of safety (emotional and physical) are crucial for not only relationship with a therapist but with everyone. Without this, children (and adults) aren’t able to be there true selves.

The Prefrontal cortex (brain’s area of executive function) is still developing at 18-25 year old. A child who doesn't feel safe will be in a constant state of "fight-flight-freeze" which hampers the development of this Prefrontal cortex.

That is why we need to be so mindful of what we are allowing into our child’s lives, minds and  awareness. 

Play therapy provides a safe space for expression, with undivided attention. Mask actual or figurative, drop away when trust is established and the person feels safe and is able to be seen.

Creating the boundaries creates safety. For Sue they are: We may not hurt each other, break the toys on purpose and we need to finish within 45 minutes. The child uses toys in the sand tray or in the room. These can represent releasing of anger, nurturing, make believe (adopt a different persona), rescue vehicles, dolls house, tents, baby bottles, pillows.

All behaviour is meeting a need.  Some children are looking for engagement while others will hide their game, all reveal themes. For example sexualised play, death themes, nurturing. When they start to show play that includes empowerment and mastery, that is a sign that they are starting to heal  in their journey.

Playing in Nature. Using clay near a dam: some might show intention to hurt by throwing clay at others,, some will make a competitive game, while, others will be creative modelling animals or other scenes.

How do we as Parents support the child? The child operates within the Family System. Even a parent without the skills or their own wounding wants the best for their child. So while parents are informed, educated and shown in the under 11 children. From about 11 years old onward, the teenager needs to know that what they say, will not be shared. Otherwise they will not feel safe and not open up. Only time this confidentiality may be broken is if there is abuse, subpoena by a court of law or threat to life. Or where child gives permission and many times the therapist acts as intermediary or advocate, speaking on the child's behalf. Being the voice of the child.

Trauma is anything that overwhelms your coping mechanisms.  Children are egocentric up until the age of six. So anything that

Contact: tim.thenaturalyou@gmail.com Instagram Facebook
Producer Matthew Wood - mw250204@gmail.com
Music by MarkJuly from Pixabay