Play Therapy in Honolulu, HI
As a parent, we can imagine how challenging it is to watch your child struggle to express themselves. Or even put words to how they’re feeling. Your child may not have the vocabulary to articulate what’s going on inside their head. Their inability to communicate and appropriately express themselves can show up as shutting down, frustration, withdrawal, sleeping and eating issues, anger outbursts, tantrums, and more. Traditional talk therapy tends to be effective for adults, but isn’t always the most effective for kids; this is where play therapy in Honolulu, HI comes in!
Play is a child’s first language.
Play therapy in Honolulu is a therapy modality where children use play to work through and process a variety of thoughts and emotions. During play therapy sessions, your child will play therapeutic games and use various toys that symbolize different people, places, thoughts, emotions, and events. Our play therapists analyze what their play means and what they’re trying to communicate. When your child is given the space to process their life experiences through play, they become happier and healthier little humans!
Outdoor Play Therapy
We know how tempting it can be for children to stay inside all day and play on electronic devices, which is why we offer therapy outdoors. We take the same components of traditional play therapy and bring them outside to a local Honolulu park. Being outdoors has also been proven to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, elevate mood, and improve focus.
If you or your child prefer not to be outside, we also offer traditional play therapy at our Honolulu office location. Or if your child prefers to walk or move around during sessions, we also offer Walk & Talk Therapy.
Common Reasons Play Therapy Is Used
We use play therapy skills and techniques to help your child work through the following issues:
Anger Outbursts
ADHD
Divorce
Family Issues
Abuse and Neglect
Grief and Loss
Bullying
Behavioral Issues
Low Self Esteem
Poor Concentration
Milk & Honey Therapy’s Approach to Play Therapy in Honolulu
We want your child to enjoy their youth! We use a number of play therapy techniques to help your child effectively communicate their emotions and find inner peace. We’ve seen how play therapy has helped children overcome mental blocks that can be caused by traumatic events. As they overcome their mental blocks and stuck emotions, your child will have stronger social skills, increased creativity, and a better understanding of how to navigate their emotions. In working with your child, we hope that they walk away from outdoor play therapy sessions with increased confidence and peace that they’ll carry with them into their later years!
Child-Centered Play
In this approach we let your child take the lead, we’re just along for the ride. From your child’s point of view, they may feel that they lack autonomy and with this approach, we provide a safe space for your child to feel supported, understood, and empowered.
By creating a safe environment for your child to explore their thoughts and emotions, your child comes to understand that it’s okay to feel and express pleasant and unpleasant emotions. Healthy boundaries are implemented and clearly communicated so that your child understands appropriate behavior and communication.
Directive Play
In this style of play therapy, we use structured play techniques with your child and encourage them to complete tasks. We also create games and competitions to assist your child in developing confidence and social skills.
We communicate unconditional acceptance and foster self-confidence in your child by telling them it’s okay to make mistakes and try their best.
This approach can also enhance positive sportsmanship in children who are involved in athletics.
Social Skills Training
We teach important social skills that are necessary for healthy social growth and development. We’ll facilitate appropriate social interactions through a variety of activities. This approach enhances social skills and helps your child learn how to appropriately share, use manners, take turns, and work together. These skills are vital in child development and lead to more success in school, home life, peer relationships, and extracurricular activities.
Are you ready to begin Play Therapy in Honolulu?
If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, follow these steps to get started:
Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation. During your consultation, your therapist will get to know you, hear more about your child’s concerns, and give you space to ask any questions that you may have.
While on the phone with you, your play therapist will schedule your child’s intake session, email you intake paperwork via our secure client portal, and text you directions to the park.
You’ll complete the intake paperwork at least 24 hours before your child’s scheduled intake session.
On the day of your child’s session, you’ll bring your child to the park and they’ll begin their healing journey.
If you have any additional questions about Outdoor Play Therapy please don’t hesitate to call or email us. We are more than happy to answer any of your questions!
Begin Play Therapy in Honolulu, HI Today!
We don’t want you and your child to struggle any longer. We’re here to help support your child in gaining freedom from their life challenges. We believe in teamwork to help your child succeed, which is why we’ll give you parenting tips and skills to implement at home with your child. If you and your child are ready to begin services at Milk & Honey Therapy in Honolulu, HI, you can work with one of our caring play therapists. To get started, follow these simple steps:
Meet with our Play Therapists who work with kids
Support your child in freely expressing themselves!
Other Services Milk & Honey Therapy Offers:
Working with kids, teens and young adults is our passion at Milk & Honey Therapy in Honolulu, HI. No matter how big or small you feel your life circumstances are, we are here to support you through it all. In our in-person and online therapy practice, we offer more than outdoor play therapy. Other services we provide include PTSD and trauma treatment, depression treatment, anxiety treatment, EMDR therapy, walk & talk therapy, faith-based therapy, ADHD treatment, and therapy for athletes. If you are looking for more support, contact us. We offer therapy in Honolulu, Mililani, Hawaii Kai, Kailua, Pearl City or anywhere via online therapy in North Carolina. We look forward to working with you!