More Tips for Effective Therapeutic Game Play
When using games the primary focus of the therapist needs to be on therapy, but you must also be attentive to the level of engagement the child is experiencing to ensure that he or she is having fun.
Here are a few ways to make sure games are both fun and therapeutic:
Here are a few ways to make sure games are both fun and therapeutic:
- Resist the urge to win -- Some of us just tend to be competitive! Sometimes it's tempting to act out, and take advantage of a child's incompetent play. Both urges can be avoided by maintaining a therapeutic attitude.
- Resist the urge to let the child win -- In the real world, there are winners and losers. Our clients need to learn how to be both. It doesn't serve a child to let them win. Losing teaches frustration tolerance, motivates one to try harder and learn, and helps a child learn how to be a good sport. When children have difficulty handling losing it gives us an opportunity to work on a very important skill.
- Stay alert for opportunities to interpret and teach -- Children often begin to let their guard down as they play games, and we begin to see more of who they are, as they often begin to talk and disclose more. Many therapeutic board games require children to generate responses, which are "grist for the mill", giving us vital information and the opportunity to respond, interpret, and teach.
- Role play new skills -- Therapeutic board games often offer suggestions on how to handle various problems. When a suggestion is offered, learning is enhanced if we immediately practice the skill being discussed. For example, counting to ten when angry, or imagining a peaceful place when anxious. When the game is over, it is helpful to once again practice the skills worked on during the game.
- Engage in therapeutic conversation -- Stay alert for opportunities to address issues and concerns presented during game play. For example, a child might exclaim, "That happened to me," upon hearing a scenario described on a game card. Having a discussion about when "that happened" to them, is likely to be more important than returning to game play.
Posted by Gary at 1/23/2011 9:57 AM 
Categories: Play Therapy, feelings, Self-Esteem, Games, Play therapy toys
Tags: child therapy conflict resolution play therapist play therapy Play Therapy practice selfesteem therapy games
Categories: Play Therapy, feelings, Self-Esteem, Games, Play therapy toys
Tags: child therapy conflict resolution play therapist play therapy Play Therapy practice selfesteem therapy games
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