Can Play Therapy Help My Child Through My Divorce?
Short Answer: YES!
Divorce is hard — for everyone. When your life changes in such a drastic way, it’s expected, and so very normal, to feel out of control, overwhelmed, and so many other emotions. Your kiddo(s) is likely to feel big emotions, too — confusion, anger, sadness, and maybe even guilt. Sometimes these feelings show up in behaviors you haven’t seen in a while (thumbsucking, tantrums) or completely new behaviors (withdrawal, physical aggression, sleep disturbances). We understand how hard it might be to support your child through this difficult time, and we at Bud to Bloom want to be that extra support so that your family can get through this experience together.
How can play therapy help?
Play therapy can offer a lot to children when they are experiencing divorce. It provides a safe, unbiased, and non-judgmental space where they can process what they are going through. While we know that you would never judge your kiddo for expressing feelings about your divorce, they might feel hesitant to express their emotions for fear of upsetting you or not wanting to add stress to your full plate. Having a neutral party to process hard feelings with can make a world of difference in their ability to adjust.
Children are able to express challenging feelings like anger, sadness, confusion, or guilt through a safe and controlled medium—play. Play is a child’s first language and provides them with a way to communicate when words feel too hard. In a play therapy session, the therapist creates a nurturing environment where the child can engage in various forms of play, such as role-playing, painting, and using toys. The therapist observes the child’s play and sometimes joins in to help the child express their thoughts and feelings or to set limits. By engaging in play, the child can communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that feels natural.
Play Therapy gives children a place to build a sense of control over a situation that is out of their control. It not only does this by providing consistency and routine with weekly appointments, but also by providing your child with a space to explore without regulations and judgments. We often see children playing out scenarios, describing how any tough event makes them feel. Playing out these kinds of scenarios gives a child a sense of empowerment and control over situations that they are struggling to process.
What are other potential benefits of play therapy?
Development of coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques and problem-solving skills
Building resilience through mastery of their environment and reactions to changes
Strengthening self-esteem by exploring different roles, solving problems, and achieving goals
Practicing communication skills inside and outside of therapy
Our Therapists are NOT custody evaluators.
It is important to note that the therapists at Bud to Bloom are not custody evaluators. We do not get involved with custody proceedings because our main mission is to provide support to the child and the entire family unit. By remaining outside of the custody evaluation process, the therapists create a safe and confidential space for the child. It is very important for us to protect a child's well-being by remaining unbiased in our work.
We are here to help!
At Bud to Bloom, we have well-trained, caring, and compassionate staff who strive to make a difference. We would love to support you at any time in your life, but especially the tough ones. Click the link below to consult with our Client Care Team and get scheduled!
