Shoestrings - Group Interaction

Play Therapy provides a way for young children to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. As children’s experiences and knowledge are often communicated through play, it becomes an important vehicle for them to know and accept themselves and others. This form of counseling uses play to communicate with and help people, especially children, to prevent or resolve psychosocial challenges. The Interventionist is trained to create a safe environment for students to interact with each other in such a way that the therapeutic benefits of play are activated. Students will be observed playing with toys (blocks, kitchen sets, pets, dolls, etc.) to determine the cause of the undesirable behavior. The objects and patterns of play, as well as the willingness to interact with the interventionist, can be used to understand the underlying rationale for behavior both inside and outside of therapy session. 

Promotes intentional positive peer interaction through free choice play and facilitated play

• Intentional Social Emotional skill practice
• Positive peer communication (i.e. getting a peer’s attention, asking to play, being flexible during a game, sharing feelings with peers)
• Gathering data on sensory needs during peer interaction
• Gathering data on triggers that lead to behavioral concerns