CHILDREN EXPRESSING EMOTIONS THROUGH CHILD PLAY THERAPY Miriam Galindo

Introduction A licensed psychologist and licensed clinical social

worker, Miriam Galindo, Psy.D., maintains a private practice in Irvine, California. Focusing on art and play therapy for children, Miriam Galindo, Psy.D., is also a registered child play therapist.

Child play therapy, an approach for learning and communication processes, helps children convey what they are struggling with when they don’t have the capability of expressing their emotions verbally. During play therapy, a child’s words are expressed through toys and how the child plays is his or her language.

Child Play Therapy Children experiencing behavioral, emotional,

social, or learning problems can potentially benefit from child play therapy. Becoming responsible and developing successful strategies for behaviors is learned through this form of therapy. According to a meta-analytic review of 100 play therapy studies, this form of therapy received moderate to high positive response from patients. Although appropriate for ages three through 12, play therapy can be effective for anyone under a licensed psychologist’s care.