Child Development: Play Therapy

Are you interested in starting a career as a child therapist and helping children overcome developmental challenges? Do you work with children as a preschool teacher or childcare provider? This psychology course on play therapy discusses the important role of games and play in helping young children overcome emotional and behavioral challenges. We first examine the preschool period and establish its importance in shaping a child’s psychological future. Importantly, the course explains how early peer relationships can play a major role in affecting a child’s long-term social and emotional development.

This childhood development course explains how adults like therapists and teachers can use play and games to help those in their care. We delve into the work of numerous child psychologists who highlight how important play is in a child’s life. We discuss the role of therapists in using games and play therapy as a tool to help children with developmental issues, which can be social, psychological or both. We go over key elements of the child-therapist relationship to help you understand the difference between ‘play therapy’ and simple games.

Childhood development lays the foundation for much of a person’s psychological life so many works and theories address play therapy. We compare some humanistic and systematic approaches to play therapy and examine some emerging trends in the field. Finally, we look at the parent’s role in supporting children through their play therapy and ensuring the right therapist is hired for the job. Helping children overcome mental and social challenges is crucial to ensuring that they have the opportunity to lead happy and healthy lives. Enroll in this psychology and childcare course to learn how play therapy can aid childhood development.